Vision Therapy in Lincoln Park

Medications That Can Cause Dry Eyes

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Dry Eye Syndrome as a Side Effect

Dry eye syndrome can result from various causes, including certain types of medications that have been identified as potential contributors to this condition. Typically, this occurs as a side effect of the medication's primary purpose.

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Common Medications Associated with Dry Eye Syndrome

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Many people may not realize that their drugs can contribute to dry eye symptoms. These medications can affect tear quantity or alter the quality of tear composition.

It's essential to recognize that dry eye can be a potential side effect of various medications. This can go a long way in finding the most appropriate treatment options.

  • Acne Medicine: Retinoids for Severe Acne

    If you're dealing with severe and painful cystic acne, your primary physician may have prescribed retinoid drugs. These medications work by diminishing the production of facial oils, but unfortunately, they can also reduce the amount of lubricating oils in your tears, contributing to dry eyes.

  • Antihistamines for Allergy Relief

    Antihistamine drugs can be vital for allergy sufferers, alleviating symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. However, they can have the unintended side effect of reducing tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms.

  • Sleeping Pills, Certain Antidepressants, and Medications for Parkinson's Disease

    Medications in these categories often work by blocking some nerve cell signals. While they may help with their intended purposes, they can also interfere with the signals that stimulate tear production, potentially causing dry eye symptoms.

  • Hypertension Drugs

    Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure by blocking the body's response to adrenaline. While they can be effective in this regard, they also slow the heartbeat and reduce the force of blood on arteries. These drugs can also lead to a decrease in aqueous tear production, resulting in dry eye symptoms.

  • Hormones and Birth Control Pills

    Certain hormone pills, particularly estrogen-only formulations, have been linked to dry eye syndrome. These medications can affect tear composition and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-Counter Medications

    Some over-the-counter medications, such as high doses of ibuprofen, may lead to dry eye symptoms. They can decrease tear secretion and cause eye discomfort.


Dealing with Dry Eye-Related Side Effects

While the list of medications above offers some insight into the typical culprits behind dry eye, it's crucial to remember that dry eye symptoms can emerge as an unexpected side effect of various medications or combinations of drugs.

It is important to note that you should never stop taking your prescribed medications without explicit guidance from your healthcare provider. Doing so without professional oversight could result in more severe health problems and may not necessarily alleviate symptoms of dry eyes.

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Patient Reviews
- Dec. 13, 2022
Hi everyone, I wanted to share some photos of the new optical at Denver Health. I hope to see everyo... ne's wonderful face so we can help you with you order. Have a bless day
- Jan. 22, 2022
Costumer service is 20x better than when they were located in the old building, I ordered my glasses... and they showed up just a few days later, the staff were very nice and inviting
- Jan. 13, 2022
I had a wonderful experience here. This location is in the Denver Health Complex and is extremely bu... sy. I had to wait only a few minutes to get help. Jason the Manager helped me out. He was extremely nice and professional. He took the time to pick out glasses with me and made sure they were exactly what I wanted. He was so great I came back the following Monday to order myself a fancy new pair of Ray Bans.
- Nov. 06, 2020
I visited this location because Roman had been so helpful, personable and courteous on the phone. I... went to get lenses for frames I owned and he greeted me instantly. He was professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Also the other staff were helping other customers. This location helps a lot of people who choose to save time and get great eyeglasses from a super convenient location. Thank you Roman and ladies for your hard work.
- Feb. 22, 2020
02/22/20 - If you're coming in on an early Saturday afternoon (when there's no line) to just get you... r glasses fixed, the negative reviews shouldn't be relevant to your visit. If you're there for anything else at any other time of any other day, my positive review may not be relevant to you. It was a quick fix (a screw fell out) and she adjusted the frames so they'd fit better too. Took maybe two minutes. The only difficulty was finding the building (it's the D part of the E building IIRC).

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Dry Eyes in Lincoln Park

Our optometry practice in Lincoln Park

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Dry Eye Management and Treatment

If you find yourself experiencing dry eye symptoms in connection with your medication regimen, the most prudent course of action is to promptly seek consultation with both your eye specialist and primary care physician.

This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, enabling healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action to manage and alleviate dry eye-related side effects.

At EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Inside Denver Health, we'll evaluate your condition and medical history to determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. Take the first step towards a healthier you—schedule an appointment today and let us guide you on the path to wellness!

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