Common Medications That Can Affect Your Vision
These 7 common types of medications can affect your vision. Learn more and what to do about them.
7
min read
Reviewed on
December 11, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Siddarth Rathi, MD
These 7 common types of medications can affect your vision. Learn more and what to do about them.
December 11, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Siddarth Rathi, MD
These 7 common types of medications can affect your vision. Learn more and what to do about them.
December 11, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Siddarth Rathi, MD
Have you noticed a change in your vision after starting a new medication? While this can be surprising, it's not uncommon. Many everyday medicines — from allergy pills to antidepressants — can impact your eyesight. These problems can range from minor or temporary issues to more serious problems. Here, we’ll discuss seven commonly prescribed drugs that might affect your vision and tips to safeguard your eye health.
Keep in mind there are thousands of different medications. And they can affect your body in different ways. So it’s important to always tell your doctor and eye doctor about all the medicines you are taking. This includes prescribed medication, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines. Your doctor may recommend getting your eyes checked more often for some medicines.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, ranging from mild sinus infections to serious conditions like pneumonia. While these medications can be life-saving, some antibiotics can cause vision changes. The risk of other serious eye problems increases if you take antibiotics for long periods of time.
Contact your doctor if you experience any of these eye issues while taking antibiotics:
Antidepressants are used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. They can also be used to treat other health problems like insomnia, pain, and migraines. However, one particular type of antidepressant, called tricyclic antidepressants, can interfere with tear production. This can lead to dry eyes. Tricyclic antidepressants can also block drainage from the eye, increasing pressure in the eye. This raises the risk for a particular type of glaucoma called acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms. They could indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency.
Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. However, they can also lead to eye-related side effects, like dry eyes and blurred vision. By reducing the body's histamine response, these medicines can also impact tear production. Try using artificial tears and staying hydrated if you experience dry, irritated eyes. For severe dry eye, talk to your doctor and eye doctor about treatment options and tips to manage your symptoms.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications used to treat a wide variety of conditions. These range from asthma and allergies to autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease and lupus. However, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to eye issues. These include cataracts and increased intraocular pressure, a risk factor for glaucoma. If you’re on corticosteroids for an extended period, it’s important to have regular eye exams. This way, your eye doctor can monitor your eye health closely and catch and address any issues early.
Medications for erectile dysfunction (ED), such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), work by increasing blood flow. While this is helpful for ED, it can also impact the eyes. For instance, ED medications can cause temporary side effects that include:
Although these effects often resolve within a few hours, sudden vision loss or other changes warrant immediate medical attention. If you have retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, talk to your doctor before taking ED medications to discuss the risks and benefits.
Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are widely used to prevent pregnancies and regulate hormonal imbalances. Though rare, taking oral contraceptives may lead to vision problems. These include dry eyes, including redness, irritation, and blurred vision. This is due to shifts in hormones that can affect tear production. In rare cases, oral contraceptives have been linked to more serious complications such as clotting that can lead to retinal vascular occlusion.
Contact your doctor right away if you’re taking birth control pills and notice symptoms like:
Vitamin A and retinoids are commonly used in skin treatments, including acne and anti-aging therapies. While vitamin A is essential for eye health, too much can lead to vision problems, such as blurred vision or increased pressure in the eye. If you’re using retinoids, particularly in high doses, be aware of potential side effects. These include dry eyes, light sensitivity, and visual changes.
It’s important to remember that your doctor prescribed you medicine for a reason. Don’t suddenly stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first. Medicines like antibiotics must be taken for the full course to be effective. And other medicines like antidepressants may need gradual tapering off to minimize serious side effects.
If you experience any changes in your vision, let your doctor know right away. They may be able to switch the type of medication you’re taking. Your doctor may also want you to see an eye doctor for a baseline eye exam before or soon after you start taking one of these medications. This way, your doctor and eye doctor can monitor for changes in your vision and take action to address any problems.
Your vision is precious. If you notice any shifts in your vision after starting a new medication, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor. Being proactive can ensure your eyes stay as healthy as possible while you continue your treatment. Remember, your eyes are worth the care!