Exemestane Eye Side Effects: What You Need to Know

When you’re taking Exemestane, a type of aromatase inhibitor used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Also known as Aromasin, it works by lowering estrogen levels in the body—something that helps stop cancer growth but can also affect other parts of your system, including your eyes. While most people focus on joint pain or hot flashes with this drug, fewer talk about how it can mess with your vision. That’s a gap you should fill in.

Eye side effects from Exemestane aren’t common, but they’re real. People report dry eyes, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light. In rare cases, there’s been a link to cataracts and changes in intraocular pressure. These aren’t just random complaints—they’re tied to how estrogen affects tear production and the tissues inside your eye. Less estrogen means less moisture, less lubrication, and sometimes, less clarity. If you’re already on hormone therapy or have dry eye syndrome from other causes, Exemestane can make it worse.

It’s not just about discomfort. Blurry vision can affect driving, reading, or even your daily routine. And if you’re already managing cancer treatment, adding eye trouble to the list is the last thing you need. The good news? Most of these issues are manageable. Artificial tears, staying hydrated, and avoiding screens before bed help a lot. If symptoms stick around or get worse, your doctor might check your eye pressure or refer you to an ophthalmologist. This isn’t something to ignore, but it’s rarely an emergency.

What’s interesting is how this connects to other drugs in the same class. Aromatase inhibitors like letrozole and anastrozole show similar patterns—dry eyes, vision changes, occasional inflammation. So if one causes trouble, the others might too. That’s why knowing the full picture matters. You’re not just dealing with one drug. You’re navigating a group of medications that all tug on the same hormonal strings.

And it’s not just about the eyes. These drugs affect your whole body—bones, mood, sleep, even your skin. But eyes are one of the few places you can see the impact directly. If your vision changes, it’s a signal. Not always a big one, but worth paying attention to. That’s why the posts below dig into real cases, doctor advice, and what actually works when your eyes feel gritty or blurry on Exemestane. You’ll find practical tips, what to ask your pharmacist, and how to tell if it’s the drug or something else.