10 Medications That May Harm Your Eyes

If you’ve been experiencing blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, or dry eyes lately, there could be a few causes for your symptoms. Annual eye exams are also important, not only to get the most updated prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor can also detect early irregularities, such as changes in pupil size.

Eye redness, irritation, and eye strain can be quite common with prolonged screen time. However, if you are just starting treatment with a new medication, your eye symptoms could actually be from medication side effects.

Certain medications can have side effects that can cause eye problems. Most patients experience minor side effects such as blurred vision, double vision, or dry eye. But sometimes, medications can cause severe eye damage and serious conditions. These can include angle closure glaucoma, ischemic optic neuropathy, central serous retinopathy, and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome. Some of these complications can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Please continue reading to learn about some common medications, both over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, that can cause ocular side effects and eye damage.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, and others can lead to eye problems such as dry eye, blurred vision, light sensitivity, cataracts, retinal damage, and retinal hemorrhage (bloodshot eye). Do not take over-the-counter NSAIDs longer than indicated on the package without checking with your healthcare provider. Make sure you go for regular eye exams while taking these medications.

Erectile dysfunction drugs

Light sensitivity and vision haze are common side effects of erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra and Cialis. People have reported impaired color perception, where they have a blue tinge to their vision. In rare cases, this medicine class can increase the risk of serious eye problems such as ischemic optic neuropathy leading to sudden vision loss. The risk of developing optic neuropathy is higher in people with a history of stroke, heart attack, heart diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol. However, you should let your primary care doctor know and see an eye doctor immediately if you develop eye symptoms while taking medication for erectile dysfunction.

Immunosuppressants

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is one of the older prescription medications used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. However, these drugs have been linked to vision issues, including retinal toxicity and corneal deposits. These vision problems are more likely for someone who takes Plaquenil at higher doses or for a long time. The adverse vision effects can be anything from blurred vision to irreversible vision loss. It’s important to get eye exams every six months if you take these medications long-term.

Medications used to treat cardiac arrhythmias

Patients taking medications such as amiodarone (Cordarone) for heart rhythm abnormalities can develop common symptoms like blurred vision. These drugs also increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as vortex keratopathy and ischemic optic neuropathy. Talk to your doctor about the benefits versus risks of these medications if you have a history of eye problems.

Drugs used to treat tuberculosis

Medications such as ethambutol, used to treat mycobacterial diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), can be a toxin for the optic nerve. They can cause optic neuritis and visual loss if taken at unsafe doses. The irreversible damage typically occurs slowly in both eyes. Always take your medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to lower your risk of ocular toxicity and vision loss. Keep your appointment for a regular eye exam while taking medications that can potentially harm your eyes.

Drugs used to treat prostate enlargement

A medication called tamsulosin (Flomax) is used to improve urinary flow in men with advanced stages of prostate gland enlargement. Taking tamsulosin has been linked to a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), which is a complication that occurs during cataract surgery and can increase surgical risk.

Blood thinners

Anticoagulants or blood thinners such as warfarin (brand names Coumadin, Jantoven), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and dabigatran (Pradaxa) have been linked to intraocular hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye). This side effect can affect visual acuity if left untreated and may require surgical treatment.

Medications used to treat acne

Isotretinoin, prescribed to people with skin conditions like severe acne, has been found to double the risk of eye problems, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eyes, styes, and visual disturbances like decreased night vision. Your doctor may ask you to use lubricant eye drops (artificial tears) while on this medication, especially if you wear contact lenses. Another acne medication, minocycline, can cause increased intracranial pressure and papilledema (optic disk swelling), which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Anticonvulsants

An anticonvulsant medication called topiramate (Topamax), used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches, has been linked to angle closure glaucoma. This is a serious complication that can lead to irreversible vision loss if the drug is not stopped.

Bisphosphonates

Alendronate (Fosamax) is under a group of medications called bisphosphonates. This medication is used to treat osteoporosis. However, it can cause side effects such as orbital inflammation, swelling, and pain. This complication may require treatment with steroid medications.

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