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Could One of Your Meds Be Causing Dry Eye?

November 28, 2022

Most people who take medications daily don’t realize that some of those drugs’ side effects include dry eye. Moisture is crucial for your eyes to function well. Dry eye arises when your tears don’t properly lubricate your eyes. Your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay wet, or your tears won’t stay put long enough to keep your eyes damp. 

Your eyesight affects how you live and enjoy your life. We at the office of Riverdel Vision understand this and are here for you. We listen to your needs and collaborate with you to help your vision stay healthy. We also have an extensive assortment of eyeglass frames and contact lenses for your every need.

Here are some medications that can render your eyes tired, scratchy and red. 

Antihistamines: While they provide much-welcome relief for people who are allergic to pollen, mold, pet dander and dust mites, most cause your eyes to cut down on tear production by obstructing your reaction to allergy activators. 

Isotretinoin: It treats severe cystic acne by decreasing the number of oils made by certain glands. But here’s the catch: Some of those glands are in your eyelids, so there’s less oil in your tears.

Antihypertensives:Dozens of different medications help treat high blood pressure. One byproduct is that your body produces a lower amount of one of the proteins included in your tears. This results in fewer tears and dryer eyes. 

Pain relievers: Though uncommon, popular medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Aleve, Naproxen, Advil, Motrin and more) can make your eyes dry. 

Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy: Medical professionals can’t pinpoint how hormones beget dry eye. It could be because they influence the amount of water that goes into your tears.

Diuretics: This is a no-brainer. These meds that come in pill and liquid form help move water and salt from your body. Tears have a lot of water and salt. 

When you need an updated vision prescription, contact lenses, or new eyeglass frames that will perfectly suit your needs, the office of Riverdel Vision is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for an appointment.