The connection between B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and eye disease

Abstract:

Ocular complications in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) are not common, but they can be clinically significant and affect the patients‘ quality of life. Direct infiltration of leukemic cells into the ocular structures such as the conjunctiva, retina, and optic nerve can lead to serious symptoms, such as blurred vision, pain, proptosis, and potential vision loss. Secondary complications caused by hematological abnormalities and reduced immunity further increase the risk of eye damage, such as intraretinal hemorrhages and infections. Also, B-CLL treatment, especially chemotherapy and glucocorticoids, can cause additional eye problems, including the increased eye pressure, cataracts, and dry eye.

Key words:
B-CLL; eye manifestations; eye pain; loss of vision; proptosis