Lung cancer is one of the most deadly types of cancer, accounting for over 1.7 million deaths worldwide in 2018 alone. It is often associated with smoking, but it can also affect people who have never smoked.

While lung cancer can cause a range of symptoms, one lesser-known connection is between lung cancer and the eyes. In this article, we will explore the link between lung cancer and your eyes, and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the lungs. It can originate in any part of the lung, but most commonly starts in the cells that line the air passages.

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is less common but more aggressive. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common but less aggressive.

How Does Lung Cancer Affect Your Eyes?

Lung cancer can affect your eyes in a number of ways. One of the most common ways is through metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

When lung cancer metastasizes to the eyes, it can cause a range of symptoms, including:.

Blurred vision
Double vision
Loss of vision in one or both eyes
Bulging of one or both eyes
Pain or discomfort around the eyes

These symptoms can be caused by a range of factors, but if you have lung cancer or are at risk of developing lung cancer, it is important to be aware of them.

How Common Is Eye Involvement in Lung Cancer?

Eye involvement is not a common symptom of lung cancer, but it can occur. This is more likely to happen in advanced stages of the disease, when cancer has spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body.

According to a study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, around 5% of lung cancer patients will develop metastasis to the eyes. This figure rises to 15% for patients with advanced-stage disease.

How Is Eye Involvement in Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

If you have lung cancer and are experiencing symptoms that suggest eye involvement, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the eyes and vision.

They will examine your eyes and may perform further tests, such as:.

Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you can see at various distances.
Ophthalmoscopy: This is an examination of the back of the eye using a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope.
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head and neck: This is a type of scan that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

If your ophthalmologist suspects that you have metastasis to the eyes, you may be referred back to your oncologist for further treatment.

How Is Lung Cancer Treated?

The treatment options for lung cancer will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Common treatments include:.

Surgery: This involves removing part or all of the lung.
Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: This uses drugs to help your immune system fight cancer cells.

For some patients, a combination of these treatments may be recommended. Your doctor will discuss the best options for you based on your individual circumstances.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer?

The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Other ways to reduce your risk include:.

Avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke
Avoiding exposure to air pollution
Wearing protective gear when working with chemicals or other harmful substances
Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables
Exercising regularly

If you have a family history of lung cancer, or if you have other risk factors, such as a history of exposure to asbestos, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

Conclusion

Lung cancer is a serious disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. While eye involvement is not a common symptom, it can occur in advanced-stage disease.

If you have lung cancer or are at risk of developing lung cancer, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of eye involvement and to get them checked out by an ophthalmologist if necessary. By quitting smoking and taking steps to reduce your risk, you can help protect your health and reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.