A comprehensive review of 70-year clinical studies has found ophthalmic manifestations may be the first sign of multiple myeloma (MM) or represent a relapse of the condition.
For the study, published in International Ophthalmology,1 the authors reviewed three databases – PubMed, Scopus, and Embase – for articles published until April last year. After screening and searching references, 82 articles were included.
They reviewed the ocular symptoms of patients with MM to evaluate whether the ocular manifestations can be considered a disease hallmark that can guide clinicians’ decision making.
Several eyelid manifestations were reported, while several reports noted crystalline deposits throughout all layers of the cornea, study authors wrote.
… early recognition of MM’s ophthalmic manifestations is “essential to establish an early diagnosis and treatment”
In addition, copper deposition that appears as a greenish-brown deposit affecting the central cornea on Descemet’s membrane with unique characteristics, has also been rarely reported in MM patients.
“Beyond anterior segment involvement, the retina and choroid can also be affected in MM with bilateral central retinal vein occlusion, choroidal effusion, ciliary body cysts, Purtscher’s retinopathy, and microvascular changes,” the authors wrote.
They concluded that early recognition of MM’s ophthalmic manifestations is “essential to establish an early diagnosis and treatment”.
“Hence, all patients diagnosed with MM should undergo a thorough ophthalmic examination. Therefore, a close collaboration between haematologists and ophthalmologists could lead to earlier diagnoses and potentially impact the course of the disease,” the authors concluded.
Reference
- Ripa M, Schipa C, Aceto P, Shah, N. (2025). Exploring the ocular involvement in multiple myeloma: a comprehensive review of 70-year clinical studies. International Ophthalmology. 2025;45(1). doi: 10.1007/s10792-025-03467-9.
