Vision Therapy in Acton

Medications That Can Cause Dry Eyes

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Dry Eye Syndrome as a Side Effect

Dry eye syndrome can result from various causes, including certain types of medications that have been identified as potential contributors to this condition. Typically, this occurs as a side effect of the medication's primary purpose.

woman rubbing eyes


Common Medications Associated with Dry Eye Syndrome

woman inspecting medication

Many people may not realize that their drugs can contribute to dry eye symptoms. These medications can affect tear quantity or alter the quality of tear composition.

It's essential to recognize that dry eye can be a potential side effect of various medications. This can go a long way in finding the most appropriate treatment options.

  • Acne Medicine: Retinoids for Severe Acne

    If you're dealing with severe and painful cystic acne, your primary physician may have prescribed retinoid drugs. These medications work by diminishing the production of facial oils, but unfortunately, they can also reduce the amount of lubricating oils in your tears, contributing to dry eyes.

  • Antihistamines for Allergy Relief

    Antihistamine drugs can be vital for allergy sufferers, alleviating symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. However, they can have the unintended side effect of reducing tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms.

  • Sleeping Pills, Certain Antidepressants, and Medications for Parkinson's Disease

    Medications in these categories often work by blocking some nerve cell signals. While they may help with their intended purposes, they can also interfere with the signals that stimulate tear production, potentially causing dry eye symptoms.

  • Hypertension Drugs

    Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure by blocking the body's response to adrenaline. While they can be effective in this regard, they also slow the heartbeat and reduce the force of blood on arteries. These drugs can also lead to a decrease in aqueous tear production, resulting in dry eye symptoms.

  • Hormones and Birth Control Pills

    Certain hormone pills, particularly estrogen-only formulations, have been linked to dry eye syndrome. These medications can affect tear composition and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-Counter Medications

    Some over-the-counter medications, such as high doses of ibuprofen, may lead to dry eye symptoms. They can decrease tear secretion and cause eye discomfort.


Dealing with Dry Eye-Related Side Effects

While the list of medications above offers some insight into the typical culprits behind dry eye, it's crucial to remember that dry eye symptoms can emerge as an unexpected side effect of various medications or combinations of drugs.

It is important to note that you should never stop taking your prescribed medications without explicit guidance from your healthcare provider. Doing so without professional oversight could result in more severe health problems and may not necessarily alleviate symptoms of dry eyes.

woman adding eye drops

Patient Reviews
- Apr. 07, 2024
We had such a great experience with the doctors and optical staff we had to write reviews here and Y... elp. Great service and fast turnaround for our whole family.
- Jan. 05, 2024
How I wished Dr. Chia and I lived in the same state. I know under her care, I am in amazing hands an... d that if there was anything she would recommend to me, she would also do herself for sure. I went for a consult with Dr. Chia at her old clinic and she was very insightful and thorough with my check up. Gave me a lot of good advice as I was contemplating my next steps. She also saw my husband who did surgery way before but ended up with chronic dry eye. She gave us some really good advice and also recommended different eye drops that were healthier for the eyes as opposed to what we were using. If I could, I would follow Dr. Chia anywhere she goes as I trust her to provide the upmost care for me and my eyes. One of the reasons why I haven't pulled the trigger yet, despite my husband recommending I should over and over again, is because Dr. Chia is in another state and if I was going to do surgery, I would prefer to be in her care.
- Aug. 23, 2022
We love Niro eye care. They are real down-to-earth people. They get you in and out quickly with no h... ard sell for new glasses like other places.
- Oct. 11, 2021
The staff here is very friendly, very helpful, incredibly knowledgeable and just plain nice. I felt ... very listened to, no hard sells or pushes for anything, and no talking over. Clinic is clean, bright, easy to access and had a lot of great frame styles that fit all face shapes and personal styles. 100% recommend. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment.
- Jan. 07, 2021
Always get treated well. They are never pushy on things you don’t need. Always quick to schedule o... ver the phone and flexible with appointments. Patient and helpful with any questions I might have. Have been going for years and will continue.
- Feb. 06, 2018
Great personal service.
- Sep. 08, 2016
Dr Niro is great. The Optical department team is super. I only get my eyes checked and glasses here.... Been going for ...wow maybe 20 years?!

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Dry Eyes in Acton

Our optometry practice in Acton

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Dry Eye Management and Treatment

If you find yourself experiencing dry eye symptoms in connection with your medication regimen, the most prudent course of action is to promptly seek consultation with both your eye specialist and primary care physician.

This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, enabling healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action to manage and alleviate dry eye-related side effects.

At Niro Eye Care and Associates - Acton, we'll evaluate your condition and medical history to determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. Take the first step towards a healthier you—schedule an appointment today and let us guide you on the path to wellness!

(978) 263-8521