Medications & Dry Eye Disease
Did you know that 62% of dry eye in the elderly can be attributed to medications? (source)
We've listed the most common offenders below:
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Anti-Histamines & Decongestants
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These cause your eyes to make less tears - leading to dry eyes
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Examples include: Benadryl, Claritan, Zyrtec, Allegra
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Hypertension medications
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Especially Beta-Blockers & Diuretics
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Both these medications lead to less tears being made
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Birth Control & Hormone therapy
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These can cause dry eye symptoms - especially medications that are estrogen only, as opposed to estrogen + progesterone
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Pain Relievers
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Specifically NSAIDS like ibuprofen
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Acne medication
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These cause certain glands (including the meibomian glands of the eyelid) to release less oil. Great for acne, not so great for tears!
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Accutane is one example
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Gastrointestinal medications
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Examples include: Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, Zantac, Tagamet
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Chemotherapy medications
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Anti-depressants
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These block signals between nerves which can also block the nerves on the cornea which are important for telling your eyes when tears are needed
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Glaucoma medications
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Yes, certain eye drops can cause dry eye.
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Many glaucoma medications are preserved with benzalkodium chloride (BAK) which has been shown to be toxic to the corneal epithelium (top layer of the cornea).
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Talk to your eye doctor if you feel that this may be adding to your dry eye symptoms.
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NEVER stop a medication or change a dosage without consulting the prescribing practitioner.