Acute myeloid leukemia: Eye symptoms, signs, and triggers Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What are the eye symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia Medically reviewed by Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN — By Mary West on May 31, 2022Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can cause eye symptoms, such as swelling, bleeding, and eye infections. These can occur because of the spread of the cancer itself or indirect causes, such as side effects of chemotherapy and steroid medication. AML starts in the bone marrow, which is where blood cells form. The cancer can quickly spread to the blood and throughout the entire body. Eye symptoms can be concerning, and they may be a sign that a person’s cancer has spread. In other cases, it is simply a side effect of treatments and associated blood abnormalities. Read more to learn about what eye symptoms look like, their causes, and when to contact a doctor. Eye symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia Share on PinterestFG Trade/Getty ImagesA primary cause is the direct spread of cancer to the eye area. Secondary causes may also contribute to eye symptoms. Direct causes If AML spreads to the brain and spinal cord, it can affect the optic nerve. It may also cause swelling of the optic disc. This is the structure on the retina, which is at the back of the eye, where it meets the optic nerve. AML can also spread to the front of the eye, which can cause bleeding. Additionally, it can extend to the orbit. This is the bony cavity where the eye sits. If this happens, a person may experience bleeding or a mass in the orbit. Secondary causes The eye symptoms from secondary causes may include:bleeding from the retina or back part of the eyeblockages in blood vessels of the eyeinfections in the eyeblurred visionloss of vision Secondary causes of eye symptoms include side effects from AML treatments. These may include:chemotherapysteroidsbone marrow transplanttotal body radiation therapy AML can cause atypical blood conditions and other health issues that may contribute to eye symptoms. These include: thrombocytopenia, a low blood platelet countanemia, a low red blood cell counthyperviscosity, increased thickness of the bloodleukostasis, when large white blood cells clog tiny blood vessels How common are eye symptoms A 2019 study notes that about half of people with AML have some type of eye symptoms. Manifestations in the back of the eye are much more common than those in the front of the eye. Of these, retinal bleeding is the most common. Other signs of acute myeloid leukemia AML can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Some are general, but others are directly associated with the effects of the condition on blood cells. Generalized symptoms include:tirednessfeverweight lossnight sweats Symptoms from a low red blood cell count include:feeling coldtirednessdizzinessweaknesspale skinheadachesshortness of breath Symptoms from low numbers of white blood cells include:frequent infections long lasting infections Symptoms from low numbers of platelets, which are small blood fragments that help the blood clot, include:excess bleedingheavy menstrual periods bruisingsevere or frequent nosebleedsbleeding gums Learn more about the signs of AML. AML risk factors There are various risk factors for AML, but many people with the condition do not have them. Even if an individual has risk factors, it is very challenging to determine if those factors have caused it. AML happens when DNA changes in the bone marrow cells make them produce leukemia cells. The cancerous bone marrow cells grow out of control or do not mature normally. These genetic changes can either be inherited or acquired during a person’s lifetime. In most cases, the changes are acquired. Possible causes include exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals, but many genetic changes are random events that happen without a known cause. Additionally, DNA changes are more frequent as people age. This makes AML more prevalent in older individuals. Contacting a doctor Various conditions can cause blurred vision and other eye symptoms. However, eye symptoms may be a sign of AML or other less serious conditions, so it is always a good idea to contact a doctor. They can evaluate a person’s symptoms and determine the cause of the symptoms. It is worth noting that many AML symptoms are general and are symptoms of many other common conditions. If a person has eye symptoms and other AML symptoms, it does not necessarily mean a person has AML. There are many other possible causes. A doctor can make a diagnosis based on an exam, medical history, and lab tests. Summary Eye symptoms happen in about half of people with AML, a type of blood cancer. The symptoms can either be caused by the cancer itself or by secondary causes, such as cancer treatments. If a person is experiencing worrying eye symptoms, they should contact a doctor. The doctor can evaluate a person’s symptoms and medical history to determine the cause. Last medically reviewed on May 31, 2022LeukemiaEye Health / BlindnessMedically reviewed by Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN — By Mary West on May 31, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageB-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Causes, symptoms, and treatment What is B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia? Read on to learn more about the condition, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prognosis.READ MOREWhat to know about acute myeloid leukemia in childrenMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD Acute myeloid leukemia can cause a fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and easy bruising or bleeding. Learn more about this type of cancer in…READ MOREWhat is acute myeloid leukemia with MRC? Acute myeloid leukemia with MRC usually affects older people and is difficult to treat. Learn more.READ MOREWhat is acute monocytic leukemia?Medically reviewed by Yamini Ranchod, PhD, MS Acute monocytic leukemia is a type of acute myeloid leukemia. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat to know about T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an aggressive blood cancer that causes high levels of atypical T cells. We examine the potential causes and…READ MORE