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Myeloma, Cataracts and Brain Health
How are the blood cancer multiple myeloma, cataracts and brain health related? I am a long-term MM survivor. I developed cataracts in both eyes following high dose dexamethasone. Cataracts are a common side effect of dex.
At the same time, I developed chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction aka chemobrain. I blog extensively about chemotherapy’s side effects and therapies shown to manage the side effect.
The study below was a therapy (cataract surgery) that might have a positive outcome on both the MM patient’s eyes and well as their cognitive function.
What is a cataract?
What are the pros and cons of undergoing cataract surgery?
Pros of Cataract Surgery
- Improved Vision: The primary benefit is clearer vision. Cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lens, and removing them often restores clarity, color vibrancy, and contrast sensitivity.
- Quick Recovery Time: Cataract surgery is minimally invasive, typically performed in less than 30 minutes, and most people resume regular activities within a few days.
- High Success Rate: Over 95% of cataract surgeries are successful, with many patients experiencing a significant improvement in vision. Modern techniques like phacoemulsification and laser-assisted surgery have improved outcomes.
- Better Quality of Life: Enhanced vision can lead to greater independence, improved mobility, and reduced fall risk, particularly in older adults.
- Reduced Dependence on Glasses: Many people achieve close to 20/20 vision after surgery, especially with premium lens options, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.
- Addresses Other Vision Problems: Multifocal and toric lenses can correct for presbyopia and astigmatism, potentially giving patients better overall visual correction.
Cons of Cataract Surgery
- Risks of Surgery: While rare, complications can occur, including infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, or swelling. Most are treatable but may affect recovery and outcomes.
- Cost: Insurance often covers standard cataract surgery, but premium lenses and advanced techniques may require out-of-pocket costs that can be significant.
- Adjusting to Artificial Lenses: Some people may experience glare, halos, or other visual disturbances, particularly with multifocal lenses. These usually improve over time but may be bothersome initially.
- Not Always Perfect Vision: While cataract surgery generally improves vision significantly, some people may still require glasses for specific tasks like reading or night driving, especially if they choose a standard monofocal lens.
- Possible Secondary Cataract: In some cases, a “secondary cataract” or posterior capsule opacification (PCO) may develop, causing the vision to cloud again. This is treatable with a simple laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy.
- Healing and Adjustment Period: Although the recovery is quick, some people experience dry eyes, irritation, or mild discomfort for a few weeks post-surgery. The eye adjusts over a few months, but optimal vision may not be immediate.
I have to go on record as saying that I developed many long-term and late stage side effects. I believe that oncology makes little if any effort to manage long-term and late stage side effects of both chemo and radiation.
Having said that, I have to also say that cataracts or cataract surgery is an excellent fix (almost) of one of the many side effects of high dose steroids.
Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com if you have any questions about cataracts or cataract surgery.
Thank you,
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Cataract Surgery Could Cut Dementia Risk by 25%
Key Takeaways
• People who undergo cataract surgery may have about a 25% reduced risk of long-term cognitive decline compared with those who don’t have the surgery. However, the short-term impact of the procedure on cognitive function is still unclear.
• This conclusion comes from a systematic review and meta-analysis, which supports earlier research suggesting that treating sensory impairments could help slow cognitive decline. It highlights the importance of discussing vision-restoring surgery with patients with cataract as a potential benefit for their cognitive health.
It’s well-established that visual impairment can accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia. The reduction in visual stimuli due to eye problems may contribute to neurodegeneration. However, the potential for cataract surgery to reduce this risk isn’t as clear. While some studies suggest short-term cognitive benefits, others point to long-term effects, but the results are mixed and sometimes contradictory.
To clarify these findings, a research team in Singapore conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. They analysed data from studies published up until September 2022. The included studies focused on adults who had undergone cataract surgery, with their cognitive function assessed and compared with that of control individuals (either individuals without cataract or those with untreated cataract)…
When looking at long-term outcomes (246,640 participants from six studies, with a follow-up period of 7-10 years), the risk of cognitive decline or dementia was reduced by 25% in patients who had cataract surgery compared with those who did not (hazard ratio 0.75 [0.72-0.78], I² = 9%). This finding was consistent for both cognitive decline and dementia risk…
The authors suggest several possible mechanisms for this link: visual impairment may lead to degenerative changes in the visual cortex, which could accelerate cerebral neuropathological processes. It could also diminish a patient’s cognitive reserve, worsening cognitive issues and speeding the onset of dementia.”
myeloma cataracts and brain health myeloma cataracts and brain health