Vision Disorders Caused by Medications Side Effects

Although medications are made to help you fight various diseases, some of them can put your vision health and eyesight to risk. Obviously, there is no way to list all medications that may have adverse side-effects on your eyes. That is why we have listed some of the most commonly used medications and how they can be harmful for your vision.

• Medications that may cause retinal damage: some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for rheumatoid arthritis  (Plaquenil (hydroxchloriquine sulfate)), medications for high blood pressure (Clonidine), all NSAIDS medications (non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen sodium).

• Medications that can cause glaucoma: all NSAIDS medications, some steroids, Simvastatin (for high cholesterol), Fenfluramine (for weight loss), some gastric antispasmodics and antidepressant medications.

• Medications that may cause cataract and/or macular damage: all medications that increase your light sensitivity such as antihistamines, birth control pills, tranquilizers, sulfa drugs, oral anti-diabetic drugs, antidepressants, NSAIDS medications, glucocorticoids (Prednisone), Fluroquinone, terbinafine, mefloquine type antibiotics.

• Medications that may cause Dry Eye symptoms: antibiotic, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antihistamines, birth control pills, appetite suppressants.

• Medications that may cause eye hemorrhage: NSAIDS medications including over-the-counter pain relievers, Venlafaxine (an antidepressant), Amphotericin B (an antibiotic), Pentoxifylline, Heparin, coumadin, anisindione, and other oral anti-coagulants, prescribed to prevent blood clotting.

There are many other medications that can have direct impact on your vision especially if used long-term. Moreover, certain drugs don’t have any vision threatening side-effects but reduce the amounts of some of the most important vision vitamins (vitamin C, A and E) which is also potentially harmful for your eyesight.

To avoid unnecessary damage to your eyes, always make sure you know what side effects an over-the-counter or prescription medication might have. Ask your physician about the possible adverse reactions you may experience and check if there is a substitute of the medication you are prescribed which will cause less or no damage to your eyes.