Side Effect: Swollen or Puffy Eyes (Periorbital edema)

What are Swollen or Puffy Eyes (also known as Periorbital Edema?)

Periorbital edema, also known as swollen or puffy eyes, occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues around the eyes.

What do Swollen or Puffy Eyes (also known as Periorbital Edema) look like?

• Swollen eyelids: The eyes typically appear with puffiness in the eyelids.
  
  
• Accompanying symptoms: Redness, itching, and a feeling of tightness may also be present.
  
  
• Time of day: The puffiness can be more pronounced in the morning and may improve as the day progresses.

Who gets Swollen or Puffy Eyes (Periorbital edema)?

Patients with cancer are at an increased risk of developing periorbital edema due to the side effects of certain cancer treatments. These treatments can cause fluid retention and inflammation, leading to puffy eyes.

Some of the medications that have been associated with periorbital edema include:

• Imatinib (Gleevec®)
• Sorafenib (Nexavar®)
• Sunitinib (Sutent®)
• Vemurafenib (Zelboraf®)

How do you treat Swollen or Puffy Eyes (Periorbital Edema)?

• Temporary cessation of therapy: When periorbital edema occurs, the first step is to temporarily stop the drug you think may be causing it until the swelling resolves. If possible, consult with your doctor before abruptly stopping therapy as they may have other options of treating this symptom that does not require you to stop cancer treatment.
  
  
• Gradual reintroduction: Once resolved, the drug that caused it can often be restarted, but usually at a lower dose.
  
  
• Symptomatic relief measures:
  • Diuretics: Medications like furosemide (Lasix®), bumetanide (Bumex®), or Demadex (Torsemide®) help remove excess fluid from the body to reduce swelling.
  • Topical corticosteroids: Hydrocortisone (Cortisone®) can reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • Dietary modifications: Follow a low-salt diet and restricting fluid intake. Increasing the amount of salt you eat causes your body to hold onto more water.
  • Sleep position: Elevating the head during sleep.
    
    
• Advanced cases: In severe cases unresponsive to supportive care, surgical intervention (blepharoplasty) may be necessary to remove excess skin from the eyelids.