Symptom: Eye Pain

Initial Grading Reminder

CTCAE Criteria for Eye Pain:

Grade 1: Mild pain
Grade 2: Moderate pain, limiting instrumental ADLs
Grade 3: Severe pain; limiting self-care ADLs

Assessment and Grading

Characterize the symptom (onset, pace)

Ask the patient:

Have you had any eye issues in the past? Is this a new or worsening symptom? When did it start or get worse? Has it developed gradually or suddenly?

Grade the symptom

Ask the patient:

How painful is your eye? Is it affecting your ability to do the things you want to do or take care of yourself?

Patient Query Regarding Other Symptoms/Red Flags

Ask the patient:

Do you have any vision changes and/or a headache?

Patient Factors to Consider That Affect the Approach to Intervention

Consider the following in individualizing the intervention: Is the patient a good or poor historian? Any language barriers or cognitive deficits? Is the patient reliable (able to carry out treatment recommendations)? Does this patient have alcohol/substance abuse issues? Does the patient have transportation? Is there sufficient caregiver support?

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    Suggested Intervention

    If the patient has any eye symptoms, they should be seen by both the oncology care provider and an ophthalmologist. For any of the red-flag symptoms, the patient should be seen immediately by the ophthalmologist.

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    Differential Diagnosis

    What do you suspect is the cause of  the eye pain?