Several MyBCTeam members have reported the annoying sensation of eye twitching while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. While eye twitching can be an annoyance, it’s not commonly listed as a direct side effect of chemotherapy.

Eye twitching may happen during treatment because of factors like dry or irritated eyes, electrolyte imbalances, caffeine use, or other medication side effects. Common side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue, poor sleep, and stress, can also be triggers of eyelid twitching.

In this article, we’ll cover possible connections between breast cancer treatment options and eye twitching, eye-related chemotherapy side effects, and when it’s important to talk with your healthcare team.

🗳️ Did you experience eye twitching with chemotherapy?

Yes, I had eye twitching during chemotherapy.

Yes, I had eye twitching during chemotherapy and after treatment was complete.

No, I never experienced eye twitching with chemotherapy.

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How Chemo Drugs Affect the Eyes

Some types of chemotherapy are known to affect the eyes, but this can be different for each individual. Some people may notice eye twitching, while others experience separate eye-related side effects. Others may have no eye problems during cancer treatments.

“I had eye twitching and watering while I was taking docetaxel (Taxotere),” shared one member. “It stopped about a week or two after my last chemo.”

Although watery eyes are a recognized side effect of docetaxel, eyelid twitching isn’t listed as a commonly reported side effect. However, docetaxel can cause tearing, dry eyes, irritation, or swelling in the eye.

While some side effects of docetaxel, such as irritated or dry eyes, may increase the risk of eye twitching, the chemotherapy drug itself isn’t causing it directly.

“I had eye twitching and watering while I was taking docetaxel. It stopped about a week or two after my last chemo.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Other breast cancer drugs may also affect the eye or vision. For example, use of the hormonal therapy tamoxifen (Soltamox) has been linked to retinal changes and other eye problems.

“I had eye twitching with leuprolide (Lupron),” one member wrote. “Once I no longer took Lupron, it stopped. Now I’m taking denosumab, and I have the twitching again.”

Leuprolide is another type of hormonal treatment for breast cancer, while denosumab may be prescribed to help increase bone mass in people being treated for breast cancer.

Denosumab can cause low blood calcium levels, so you may need to have regular blood tests done. If calcium levels are low in your blood, it can lead to muscle twitching or spasms throughout the body, including the eye.

If you’re experiencing eye twitching that you believe could be related to your breast cancer treatment plan, talk to your oncologist or pharmacist. They can help you identify possible causes of the twitching and recommend what might help.

Reports of Chemo and Eye Twitching

On MyBCTeam, one member asked, “Does chemo cause eye twitching?” The question prompted many responses from other members who shared their own experiences.

“It’s very annoying! Now that I’m finished with chemo, it stopped after about a month,” added a member. “My vision got really bad, so I talked with my doctor, and she said to give it time to clear up.”

“It's been 30 years since my first diagnosis and chemo treatment. I still have eye twitching from time to time, but not as often as when I was being treated.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Another wrote, “The eye twitching became worse with each chemo treatment, but disappeared a few weeks after my last treatment. I still have a floater in one eye that started during chemo treatments and tinnitus in both ears.”

“I experienced eye twitching. I’m a month and a half out from my last chemo, and the twitching has subsided. It still happens occasionally,” reflected a different member.

Although several MyBCTeam members reported eye twitching during chemo and lasting weeks after it ended, it’s not conclusive proof that chemo definitively caused eye twitching in each person.

Management of Eye Twitching

If you’re concerned about eye twitching, a few general self-care tips and strategies may help:

• Avoid alcohol and sources of caffeine, such as coffee.
• Get enough sleep.
• Reduce stress through deep breathing and other relaxation techniques.
• Use artificial tears (eye drops) to lubricate dry eyes if your healthcare provider says it’s safe.
• Take breaks from screens or adjust screen brightness.
• Place a warm compress on the eyelids to help them relax.

“I’m on TCHP treatments, and my eyes started twitching constantly between the second and third treatment. Very annoying.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Because common causes of eyelid twitching include fatigue, stress, dry eyes, and irritation, addressing these problems may help reduce symptoms.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Most eyelid twitches are harmless and go away on their own. However, you should contact an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or your healthcare team if you notice any of the following:

• Twitching that lasts for weeks or keeps returning
• Twitching that causes the eyelid to close or squeeze completely shut
• Twitching that spreads to other facial muscles, like the corner of the mouth or cheek
• Swelling, redness, discharge, or drooping eyelids
• Vision changes, such as double or blurred vision

Your oncology team can help you manage chemo side effects, so it’s important to keep your team informed about what you’re experiencing. Together, you can find a solution that works best for you and your treatment plan.

Although eye twitching may not seem like a serious health concern, it can be a cause of frustration and get in the way of simple activities you enjoy, like reading or watching television. It can also be a concern if you drive, regularly operate heavy machinery, or use a computer at work. It’s always worth trying to find solutions to problems that affect your quality of life.