The effect of medications on the eyes

• Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has a pain-relieving effect, but it also thins the blood and, if taken regularly, can lead to haemorrhages and thus damage to the retina if it is already diseased.

• Ibuprofen can cause dry eyes and less frequently visual disturbances, increased sensitivity to light or impaired light and dark adaptation.

Elevated blood pressure is one of the most common public health problems and is usually treated with blood pressurelowering medication. The most common side effect is dry eyes. However, some active substances can also have other effects on eye health:

• Clonidine has both a blood pressure-lowering and an intraocular pressure-lowering effect. Glaucoma patients in particular should therefore discuss taking clonidine tablets with their doctor, as this could possibly affect their intraocular pressure.

• Betablockers usually have fewer side effects, they mostly cause dry eyes. But they can also cause red eyes or temporary visual disturbances.

Many women regularly take the contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. However, these ovulation inhibitors contain oestrogens and progestins, which can cause dry eyes in particular. In rare cases, (older) women with a tendency to thrombosis may develop a vein occlusion in the retina, which can cause bleeding in the eye and impair vision.

Preparations containing cortisone are often used for allergic reactions, inflammations or eczema. They usually act quickly and reliably and can relieve acute symptoms. However, medicines containing cortisone should never be overdosed or used permanently. If taken over a long period of time, they can accelerate clouding of the lens, known as cataract. Similarly, an increase in intraocular pressure may develop, leading to glaucoma and thus permanent damage to the optic nerve.

Taking antibiotics is sometimes unavoidable. But here too, visual disturbances, burning eyes, sensitivity to light or, rarely, discolouration of the cornea may occur. However, these side effects disappear after discontinuing the antibiotic. If eye symptoms develop, you should consult your doctor to see if it might be possible to switch to an alternative preparation. Sunglasses with good UV protection should be worn if you are sensitive to light.

Antihistamines, which are commonly used in the form of eye drops for allergy symptoms of the eye, can cause burning, dry or red eyes, blurred vision, increased lacrimation or sensitivity to light. Here, too, you should ask your doctor whether an alternative treatment is possible.

Medications for heart rhythm disturbances, so-called antiarrhythmics, which contain the active ingredient amiodarone, can cause micro-deposits in the cornea. These can be noticeable through hazy vision or coloured halos around lights. If the medication is stopped, the deposits will disappear within 6-12 months. Then the vision also returns to normal. Only very rarely does the active ingredient cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve.

Medications containing the active ingredient sildenafil (e.g. Viagra), can help with problems of potency. Apart from a whole range of undesirable side effects, these tablets can also cause eye problems, such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision or a disturbance of colour vision.

In general, medicines should never be discontinued without consulting the attending doctor. If side effects on the eyes are suspected, it is therefore best to ask your doctor if there could be a connection. Your doctor can often prescribe an alternative preparation.