Evaluation of Visual Health and Optical Needs in Cancer Patients: A Review from the Perspective of Healthcare Management and Patient-Centered Care
Multidisciplinary Approaches in Cancer Biology, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Assist. Prof. Dr. Selim ÖĞÜT, Editör, ISPEC, Ankara, ss.158-179, 2026
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.5281/zenodo.23195596
- Yayınevi: ISPEC
- Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.158-179
- Editörler: Assist. Prof. Dr. Selim ÖĞÜT, Editör
- İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
ABSTRACT
Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have
contributed to prolonged survival among patients, while also necessitating a
more comprehensive consideration of treatment-related adverse effects and
health needs that may affect quality of life during and after treatment. In
addition to the potential effects of certain chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic
approaches used in cancer treatment on different body systems, their potential
effects on the visual system and retina may also be considered an important
component of patient monitoring. In particular, studies on platinum- and
taxane-based chemotherapies have reported that subclinical microvascular
changes at the level of the choriocapillaris may occur even in the absence of
marked changes in basic visual functions such as visual acuity and color vision
(Barutçu, 2026). The widespread use of platinum-based chemotherapy in childhood
cancers and the need for long-term follow-up after cancer treatment further
highlight the importance of a monitoring approach to visual health (Oktay,
2021).
Quality of life in cancer patients has been shown to
be associated not only with the clinical course of the disease but also with
multidimensional factors such as treatment-related symptoms, psychosocial
characteristics, family support, physical activity, and patients’ information
needs (Kaya, 2016; Kılıç Yangın, 2021; Dabanlı, 2026). Studies conducted in
pediatric and adult cancer patients have demonstrated that symptoms experienced
during treatment and psychosocial status may affect quality of life (Kılavun,
2019; Akkuş Bardak, 2022). In addition, patient education and communication
between healthcare professionals and patients have been reported as important
components of the treatment and care process (Bağrıaçık Altıntaş, 2024).
Within the scope of this review, theses published
between 2016 and 2026 were examined using the National Thesis Center database
of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK National Thesis Center). During the
search process, 16 theses were identified using the keyword “cancer quality of
life,” 1 thesis using the keyword “cancer vision,” 9 theses using the keyword
“retinal toxicity,” and 4 theses using the keyword “ocular toxicity.” Of the 30
thesis records identified in total, 9 theses considered directly relevant to
the purpose and scope of the study were selected and constituted the primary
sources of this review.
In this review, visual health and optical needs in
cancer patients are discussed from the perspectives of retinal and ocular
effects associated with cancer treatments, quality of life, patient-centered
care, and healthcare management. It is emphasized that visual needs should be
assessed within a holistic approach that is not limited to the evaluation of
visual acuity but also considers the patient’s daily life, functional status,
and access to healthcare services. Within this context, considering opticianry
services as a supportive component of the multidisciplinary care process
conducted in communication with eye care professionals and the oncology team
may contribute to the delivery of patient-centered healthcare.
Keywords: Cancer, visual health, retinal toxicity, optical needs, quality of life, patient-centered care, healthcare management, opticianry, business administration.