Dryness in the eyes, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that can be caused by various factors, including medication use. Dry eyes can cause discomfort, irritation, and affect your vision, making it essential to understand which medications can cause this condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the medications that can cause dryness in the eyes.

• Acne Medications: Acne medications such as Accutane and isotretinoin are commonly known for causing dryness in the eyes. These medications work by reducing the amount of oil that is produced in certain oil glands. Since the oil glands in the eyelids produce oil that covers the surface of the tears, when there is less oil, the tears start evaporating more quickly, leading to dryness in the eyes.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines are medications that are commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and congestion. However, antihistamines can also cause dryness in the eyes. Antihistamines work by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the body, including tears, leading to dryness in the eyes. If you take antihistamines and experience dryness in the eyes, talk to our eye doctor about potential treatment options.
• Antidepressant and Parkinson Medications: Certain antidepressant and Parkinson medications can also cause dryness in the eyes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can reduce the production of tears and cause dryness in the eyes. Parkinson medications such as benztropine and trihexyphenidyl can also cause dryness in the eyes. If you are taking these medications and experience dryness in the eyes, speak to our eye doctor about potential treatment options, such as changing your medication or using lubricating eye drops.
• Birth Control Pills and Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills and other hormonal treatments can also cause dryness in the eyes. The hormonal changes that occur due to these medications can affect the production of tears and cause dryness in the eyes. Women who are taking hormonal treatments and experience dryness in the eyes should speak to our eye care provider to determine the underlying cause and potential treatment options.
• Blood pressure medications: Certain blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers, can cause dry eye symptoms. Beta-blockers reduce the amount of fluid that is produced by the tear glands, leading to decreased tear production and dryness in the eyes. Other blood pressure medications that can cause dry eye include diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
• Hormonal treatments: Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and medications used to treat certain types of cancer, can cause dry eye symptoms. These medications can alter hormone levels in the body, which can lead to changes in tear production and composition. As a result, patients may experience dryness, burning, and irritation in the eyes.
• Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxants, including medications like Baclofen and Tizanidine, can cause dry eye symptoms. These medications work by reducing muscle tension, but they can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls tear production. As a result, patients taking muscle relaxants may experience dryness, burning, and other symptoms of dry eye.