When people visit their Ophthalmologist or Eye M.D. they expect to be asked about any medical conditions they may have. But did you ever wonder why your Eye Doctor inquires about the medications that you take?
The reason is that a number of medications can sometimes affect your eyes.
Common Eye-related Side Effects of Medications
The following is a list of some of the more common medicines prescribed by doctors that can adversely impact your eyes.
- Antibiotics – Some antibiotics can cause red, dry and itchy eyes while others can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity.
- Antidepressants – Prozac and other antidepressants can cause blurred vision, inability to focus, dilated pupils, double vision and dry eyes.
- Antihistamines – People take antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms by “drying you out,” but unfortunately they may also cause dryness in the eyes.
- Blood Pressure Regulators – Many people take blood pressure medications that can cause dry eyes and other eye-related side effects, such as dilated pupils, blurry vision and light sensitivity.
- Diuretics – These, too, will often cause dry eyes.
While some of these side effects are a temporary annoyance, others may have more serious consequences.
More Serious Eye-related Side Effects of Medications
For example, steroids such as Prednisone, increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. And those who take Plaquenil for arthritis must have an eye exam every six months to check for retinal damage.
Discuss any medications with your eye doctor
As you can see, it is imperative to discuss all medications you take with your Eye M.D. If you’re a patient of Dr. Scharfman, you may contact us to set up an appointment any time.
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