Locations:
Search IconSearch
December 28, 2020/Health Conditions/Eye Care

What to Do When Medications Affect Your Vision

Some drugs come with visual side effects

eye made out of medications

As you fill out a new prescription, you might not think of the impact it could have on your eyes. Yet some prescription drugs and even a few over-the-counter remedies can have serious visual side effects.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Medications can have a variety of effects on your eyes, ranging from minor, temporary issues such as blurred vision to permanent damage.

Learn which drugs cause the most problems — and what to watch for if you have risk factors.

Which drugs pose the most concern?

According to ophthalmologist Richard Gans, MD, a few stand out in particular, but you should always check for potential visual side effects with any new medication.

Here are a few common culprits:

Corticosteroids— ​People take these for a range of conditions, from asthma and allergies to arthritis and skin conditions. But whether in cream or pill form, they can cause swelling in the back of the eye or retina and potentially lead to cataracts.

“Even an over-the-counter nasal spray like Flonase® comes with risks,” Dr. Gans says.

Antihistamines —​ They may fight allergies, but they also can raise certain patients’ risk for glaucoma. See more information below for those with particularly high risk levels.

Antipsychotic medications — Drugs such as Thorazine® and Mellaril® can be toxic to your retina.

Antimalarials — For example, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) — used to treat malaria, lupus and arthritis — also has toxic effects on the retina.

Dr. Gans notes there are other drugs that may raise eye surgery risk and other conditions, so talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Advertisement

“And if you take a medication that comes with risk, be sure to have regular eye exams to make sure they don’t damage your vision,” he says.

Who has the highest risk?

Anyone taking medications such as cortisone and others listed above may experience visual side effects.

“If you have glaucoma or diabetes, you should be especially cautious,” Dr. Gans says. “Some people’s eyes are configured to have a narrow angle that puts them at risk for an acute onset of glaucoma,” he adds.

Sulfa (sulfonamide or sulphonamide) drugs like Topamax® or certain antihistamines or incontinence medications like Detrol® or Ditropan® can trigger an acute attack of glaucoma in someone with a narrow angle.

People with diabetes are especially prone to developing blurred eyesight from cortisones, he adds.

“With high blood sugar levels there’s temporary swelling within the lens of the eye, resulting in blurred vision,” he says. “With poor control of blood sugar structural damage can occur within the eye that can cause severe vision loss.”

What to watch out for

If you get a new prescription or even start a new OTC medication, be aware of anything that causes pain to the eyes or distorted or blurred vision.

“If you do experience a problem, talk to the doctor who prescribed the medication,” Dr. Gans advises. “Don’t stop the medication without your doctor’s advice. They’ll want to assess whether the medication is the likely culprit — and sometimes the benefits outweigh the side effects.”

Always read the warning labels too, he says — especially if you have a condition such as glaucoma or diabetes. A variety of medications have warnings that patients with glaucoma shouldn’t take them.

“Remember, if you’re having clear-cut eye problems related to medication, see an eye doctor,” Dr. Gans emphasizes. “Your vision is too important to assume side effects will just go away.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Open medicine bottle on its side, with spilled pills on the table, and glass of alcohol nearby
March 12, 2025/Mental Health
What You Need To Know About Lorazepam and the Dangers of Alcohol

This fast-acting anxiety medication should never be taken with alcohol, despite what you may see on The White Lotus

Tired cancer patient reading at night
February 27, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
The Link Between Insomnia and Cancer Treatment

Medications, tubing and stress can steal away the ZZZs you need

Eye doctor giving a patient an eye exam
May 21, 2025/Eye Care
PRK Recovery Timeline: My Day-By-Day Experience

The first three days can be tough — but easier days are ahead

Smiling baby with big eyes and two tiny teeth
May 21, 2025/Children's Health
When Do Babies’ Eyes Change Color?

Once your baby’s eyes are exposed to more light, they may start to deepen in hue or change color altogether, usually between 3 and 9 months

Person inserting contact into eye
May 16, 2025/Eye Care
Understanding the Link Between Contacts and Dry Eyes

When worn incorrectly, contacts can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms

Eye drops being dropped into an adult's eye
May 15, 2025/Eye Care
Year-Round Advice for Seasonal Dry Eyes

Preservative-free lubricating drops, a humidifier, sunglasses and preventive medications can help with dry eyes, no matter the season

Person holding a gel capsule, examining it
May 14, 2025/Eye Care
Vitamins and Foods for Dry Eye Relief

In moderation, vitamins A, C, D, E, B12 and omega-3 fatty acids can improve and maintain your eye health

Two hands full of supplement tablets, pills and capsules, with healthcare provider in background
May 14, 2025/Primary Care
Why Your Doctor Needs To Know What Supplements You’re Taking

Over-the-counter pills, powders, extracts and tinctures can interact with other medications and cause unexpected side effects

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad