by ANISA PATAIL, O.D.
As eye doctors, we recommend getting your eyes checked every year, even if you don’t have trouble seeing. Why? Because health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, for example, can affect the health of your eyes. What you may not know is that a lot of medications can also affect your eyes. Let’s look at some of the side effects from certain medications.
Dry eye disease is one of the most frequently seen conditions, and we often get asked “What causes dry eyes?” There are many reasons, but a common cause is medications that treat allergies, anxiety, and depression. These medications cause dry eyes by blocking the chemical that makes your tears and keep your eyes moist.
Another condition called non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, causes sudden vision loss due to loss of blood flow and oxygen to your optic nerve. This is usually due to health conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease but can also be caused by medications such as Viagra (for erectile dysfunction), Imitrex (for migraines), and birth control pills. Viagra can also cause color vision changes, while birth control pills have also been linked to other optic nerve diseases.
Bull’s eye maculopathy is another eye condition that causes vision loss in the center of your vision. This can be caused by genetic conditions but more commonly caused by taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), a medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor will recommend getting your eyes checked before starting the medication, and every year after that.
Steroids are commonly used by doctors, both short term and long term, but can lead to several eye problems. Steroids can cause an increase in your eye pressure, which is one of the biggest risk factors for glaucoma (a condition that damages your optic nerve). Steroids can also cause cataracts, which make your vision cloudy.
Lastly, newer medications like Ozempic and Wegovy help with weight loss and blood sugar control. However, their use may be linked to eye problems including retinopathy (damage to the retina) and optic neuropathy (damage to the optic nerve). The exact cause is unknown and still being researched, but it’s thought that these problems are due to the rapid drop in blood sugar.
If you are taking any of these medications, it’s important to get your eyes checked every year. And if you notice any sudden changes to your vision, be sure to let your doctor know right away!
Dr. Anisa Patail is a board-certified optometrist who practices at the Haines City location for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. She is currently accepting new patients. Call 800-282-3937 or visit us online at eyesfl.com to schedule your next eye care exam.
The September column for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida featured an incorrect photo. The photo at the top is the correct photo of the author, Dr. Anisa Patail.
This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.