Treating diabetic retinopathy Treating diabetic retinopathy is a critical aspect of preserving vision and maintaining the overall quality of life […]
Among the varied causes of dry eye, several types of medication have been found to cause dry eye. This is generally due to side effects of whatever the medication was designed to do.
What this list of medications have in common is that they block some of the signals between nerve cells. While this can be helpful for people suffering from Parkinson's or depression, this can also lead to the medication blocking signals that would help tell the eyes to make more tears.
It should be noted that this mechanism only applies to tricyclic antidepressants, not SSRIs. Though, SSRIs can also cause dry eye.
Hormonal changes are very closely linked to dry eye (it is the reason women, particularly women over the age of 50, are more likely to have dry eye.) As such, medications which affect hormones, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy treatments for menopause, cause dry eye.
Women who only take estrogen have been found to be far more likely to suffer from dry eye than women who take both estrogen and progesterone.
At present, doctors are unsure exactly why hormonal changes cause dry eye, but one theory is that it can affect how much water is in the tears.
Acne medication such as isotretinoin can also cause dry eye. They help get rid of acne by lowering the amount of oil produced by certain glands. Because this effect can extend to glands in the eyelids, it can lead to less oil in your tears. If there is insufficient oil in your tears, it can lead to them evaporating too quickly, which will lead to dry eyes.
A very common type of blood pressure medication, beta blockers, work by blocking the body’s response to the hormone adrenaline. This helps correct blood pressure by slowing the heartbeat, and reducing the force the blood puts on the arteries. However, a side effect of this is that the body then produces less of the proteins which go into the tears. This in turn leads to fewer tears, and dry eye.
Beta-blocker medications also lower the normal pressure in the eyes, which can reduce the water content in the tears and lead to dryness.
Another type of blood pressure medication, diuretics, which help rid the body of salt and water, but also negatively impact tear composition.
Antihistamines are commonly used to control allergy symptoms, but in the process they can diminish the aqueous layer of the tear film and leave the eyes with insufficient moisture.
Many commonly used painkillers fall under the NSAID category (non-steroid anti inflammatory drugs). While inflammation is a symptom of dry eye, these drugs do not reduce the likelihood of that, and can exacerbate the damage dry eye already causes.
The three most common supplements that can cause dry eye are niacin, echinacea, and kava.
If you think your medicine is causing dry eyes, don't abruptly stop its intake. These drugs often cater to critical ailments and sudden cessation can have detrimental consequences.
Your optimal step is to consult with our optometrist. Reach out to our eye care clinic in Hixson for expert advice. Our eye care professional may suggest lowering the dosage—some drugs might cause less dry eye at reduced quantities. They could also prescribe an alternate medication for the same issue which won't induce dry eye.
Furthermore, based on your dry eye severity, you might be advised to use artificial tears to mitigate symptoms while still on the current medication.
If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in Hixson, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "dry eye specialist near me."
Diuretics: These medications are often prescribed for high blood pressure or heart conditions. They work by causing the body to lose excess water and salt through urination, which can potentially lead to dryness, including in the eyes.
Decongestants: These medications, often used for colds and allergies, can dry out the mucous membranes, including the tear film of the eyes.
Chemotherapy Drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause dry eye syndrome as a side effect.
Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives, often used for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis, can cause dry eyes and other issues.
Radiation Therapy: Not a medication, but it's worth noting that radiation treatments, especially those targeting the head and neck, can cause dry eye syndrome.
Hypnotics: Certain types of sleeping aids can cause dryness of the mucous membranes, leading to dry eyes.
There are many common types of medication which can cause dry eye. If you suspect your medication is causing dry eye, do not stop taking it right away; instead, schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor about what you can do about the problem. If you would like to see a doctor to discuss what to do about a medication that is causing dry eye, you can contact Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga at (423) 710 3965. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.
Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.
He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.
It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.
Thank you!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!
Treating diabetic retinopathy Treating diabetic retinopathy is a critical aspect of preserving vision and maintaining the overall quality of life […]
As an optometrist at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga in Hixson, one of the most common questions Dr. Heather McBryar often encounters […]
Is foggy vision troubling you? Let our experienced optometrist restore your sight – book an appointment today and see the […]
Monday - Tuesday
7:30AM - 5:15PM
Wednesday - Thursday
8:00AM - 5:15PM
Friday - Sunday
Closed
