Medications that Can Cause Eye Problems

These common medications can cause issues with your eyes:

Alendronate (Fosamax) is one of a class of medications called bisphosphonates that treat osteoporosis. It can cause blurred vision, eye pain, conjunctivitis and double vision.

Topiramate (Topamax) treats seizure disorders, migraines and mood disorders. It can cause acute glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve. Dilated pupils and other eye complications have also been reported.

Isotretinoin (Accutane, Absorica) treats serious acne and can cause several adverse eye effects. It can cause dry eyes, inflammation of the eye and eyelid and sensitivity to bright light.

Amiodarone (Cordarone) helps control heart rhythm in people with atrial fibrillation. It can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. If you take amiodarone, your doctor should instruct you to have regular eye exams.  

Tamsulosin (Flomax) is used primarily for enlarged-prostate cases. Tamsulosin can cause a side effect called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, which can complicate cataract surgery even if you no longer take it. Tell your eye surgeon if you are taking tamsulosin and need to have cataract surgery.

Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) are all used for erectile dysfunction. They are known to cause blue vision, where everything looks bluer than it really is. They can also cause blurred vision, eye pain and light sensitivity. More seriously, they can damage the optic nerves in rare cases.

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) treats breast and ovarian cancers. It is known to cause eye problems including opaque spots on the cornea and a loss of visual acuity. You will probably be told to have an eye exam in the first year after you start taking tamoxifen.

Celecoxib (Celebrex) and meloxicam (Mobic) are in a category of drugs called COX-2 Inhibitors for pain and inflammation. They may cause blurred vision and conjunctivitis.

Ethambutol (Myambutol) and isoniazid (Nydrazid) are antibiotics prescribed together for tuberculosis. They can change your color vision and may narrow your field of vision. They may also cause optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) treats rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune disorders. It also treats malaria. Hydroxychloroquine can cause serious eye problems including damage to the optic nerve and retina and corneal deposits.

Physicians who prescribe Plaquenil advise their patients to have yearly eye exams while they are being treated with it. A dilated fundus examination is a necessary part of the vision examination.

SEE RELATED: Schizophrenia and Vision

If your vision changes, see your eye doctor

Whenever you start taking a new medication, read the label so you are familiar with the possible side effects that could affect your vision. If you are experiencing vision issues, it could be the result of a drug you were on but are no longer taking.

Combinations of medications can contribute to a variety of eye-related side effects as well.

When in doubt – and any time you are experiencing changes in your vision – see your eye doctor. The vision issue may be due to medications you are taking or have taken in the past, or it may be something unrelated.

Don’t wait to have your eyes examined if you notice any sudden or gradual changes in vision.