Ocular disorders in multiple myeloma patients: cross-sectional study of prevalence and association with treatment

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) therapy is evolving, and several new drugs are now available, extending patients’ life and exposure to different compounds and toxicities. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study enrolling 93 consecutive patients on active treatment for MM, aiming to assess their ocular complications. All the patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation. In our cohort, prevalence of low visual acuity was in line with similar age healthy population reported in registry studies. Interestingly, we recorded a higher prevalence of lens opacities (46%) and dry eye syndrome (53%). Nevertheless, we did not find any significant association between ocular disorders and anti-myeloma treatments, even steroid therapy. This observation suggests that other factors besides treatments, such as M-protein deposition in eye structures, may have a role in developing ocular toxicities. Since MM patients are elderly patients at higher risk of age-related eye disorders, we recommend periodic ophthalmic assessment in daily practice.

Keywords:

• Multiple myeloma
• ocular disorders
• toxicity

Acknowledgments

This study was funded by Mr. and Mrs. Marco Ferrari. The authors wish to thank Dr. Annamaria De Filippo for her excellent assistance. The authors wish to thank all the patients and their families.

Potential conflict of interest

Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2018.1480770.