Manage Ocular Side Effects Exemestane: Practical Tips and Solutions

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 to slow cancer growth. But for many, this benefit comes with an unexpected side effect: ocular side effects, eye-related symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, or irritation.

These eye issues aren’t rare. Studies show up to 1 in 5 women on exemestane report noticeable eye discomfort. It’s not just dryness—it can feel like grit under the eyelids, burning after screen time, or trouble focusing in low light. These symptoms often get dismissed as "just aging" or "stress," but they’re directly linked to how exemestane lowers estrogen, which plays a key role in tear production and corneal health. If you’re on this drug and your eyes feel off, you’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone. The good news? These side effects can be managed without stopping treatment.

What helps most? Simple, daily habits. Use preservative-free artificial tears 3–4 times a day, especially after screens or in dry air. Keep a humidifier in your bedroom—many users report better sleep and less morning grit. Avoid contact lenses if they feel scratchy; switch to glasses until symptoms improve. Some patients find relief with warm compresses and gentle lid scrubs, which reduce inflammation around the eyelids. If symptoms persist, talk to your oncologist about switching to another aromatase inhibitor like anastrozole—some women tolerate it better. Don’t wait for vision to blur before acting. Early steps make a big difference.

It’s also worth noting that ocular side effects, eye-related symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, or irritation from exemestane often overlap with other conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or thyroid eye disease. That’s why a quick check with an ophthalmologist who understands cancer treatment side effects can rule out other causes. You don’t need a specialist referral in every case—but if your eyes don’t improve after 2–3 weeks of basic care, it’s time to ask.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there. From how to pick the right eye drops that won’t sting, to the one bedtime routine that helped someone sleep without burning eyes, to how to talk to your doctor without sounding like you’re overreacting. These aren’t theoretical tips—they’re the kind of advice you wish you’d heard six months ago. No fluff. No jargon. Just what works when your eyes feel like sandpaper and you’re still trying to live your life.