What drugs can cause eye dryness?

The dry eye, a painful condition which affects approximately 16 million Americans, according to the National Eye Institute, can be caused by a few factors. It is more common in people over 50, and is often associated with the use of contact lenses and prolonged periods of watching a computer or other screens. Another possible cause of ocular drought could be an over -the -counter prescription or medication. If you feel symptoms of dry ocular and take medication, you may want to consult your doctor or an eye professional. “There are many drugs that can cause dry eye,” notes John Hovanesian, MD, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and ophthalmologist at Harvard Eye Associates in Laguna Hills, California. “The best way to determine if you have dry eye and the best way to remedy it is to see your ophthalmologist for an exam.” Here are some of the most common drugs associated with the symptoms of the eye dryness. Antihistamines If you are allergic to pollen, dust or pet, antihistamines can help relieve symptoms such as flowing nose, sneezing and itching. But these drugs can also dry the tear film which keeps the eye lubricated and healthy. People taking antihistamines can produce less tears and these tears evaporate more quickly. If you feel symptoms of allergy in your eyes, you may not know if the irritation you feel is due to allergies, dry ocular or both. Seeing an ophthalmologist is important to ensure an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. Acne drug products made with retinoic acid reduce the production of tears, especially oils, explains Dr. Hovanesien. “Acne drugs treat acne by reducing the amount of oil production, which is why the skin becomes extraordinarily dry,” he explains. “You consider tears to be aqueous, but they are a bit like a vinaigrette: they are partly oil, water in part, mucus and almost a thousand other components. If you share and remove it, as with an acne medication, then it becomes unbalanced.” Beta-blockers work-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, the hormone that is produced when you are under stress and which can slow the heart rate. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, and can improve survival after a heart attack. “Beta-blockers, which are one of the most common heart medicines, have a number of different effects on the eye,” said Hovanesian. “These drugs make the heart work not so difficult, but they also reduce some of the microcomponents of tears and decrease the production of liquid [in the eye]. “And because hypertension is one of the most common conditions that doctors deal with, it notes:” We have a large population of people who are at risk of ocular drought. ” However, if you take nonsense and have a drought session, you should not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor. [diuretics are] Also eliminating liquid, there is therefore a risk of dehydrating with these drugs, “said Hovanesien.” They affect the fluids available to produce tears and cause dry ocular. “Gastrintestinal Disorder MEDICATIONS Certain Drugs – Such as Proton Pump inhibitors and H2 Blockers (Histamine Type 2 Receptor Antagonists), Which Work by Decreaking the Ament of Acid in your stomach – Used to Treat Gastrointestinal Illnesses Seem to Muen Production, but doctors Exactly How, According to Hovanesian. If your body produces fewer mucus, you can also get symptoms of eye dryness, “explains Hovanean.” The inhibitors of the proton pump … inhibit the transport of protons, which are essentially acidic in our stomach “, he said.” When you have closed this, it seems that they have an effect on the production of tears. ». What you can do to find a relief for dry eye – and why you should suspect that your dry eye can be caused by a prescription or an over -the -counter medication, make sure you don’t stop using it or go to something else without discussing your doctor first. Hovanesian. He notes that dry eye can alter your ability to do things you want to do, and the right diagnosis and treatment can help you enjoy life. Drug eye drops can also be an option. “We have an increasing number of drugs that are the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] Approved for the treatment of dry eye, and they work well, “said Hovanesien.” The side effects are quite few, they are well tolerated and they are clinically proven to really help patients. “Punctual caps, which doctors often recommend for patients who have tried compresses or artificial tears for ocular drought, can also be very effective, according to Hovanesian.” Finally, doctors note that Omega 3-Fatty acids, which have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation, can help to mitig eye.