Visual impairment in myopic patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant therapy with aromatase inhibitors

Abstract

Retinal structure and function is maintained in part by the trophic effects of aromatase, a cytochrome P450 convertase responsible for local tissue estrogen synthesis from androgen precursors. Herein, we report deterioration of visual acuity in 2 Chinese patients with breast cancer and preexisting myopia who had recently commenced adjuvant hormonal therapy using the aromatase inhibitor exemestane. Given the neuroprotective functions of estrogen and aromatase, we caution that this timing might not be coincidental. Prompt ophthalmoscopic evaluation is thus recommended for any patient who is prescribed treatment with an aromatase inhibitor and subsequently develops visual symptoms.