Is your medication making your eyes dry?

If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling drier than usual, you might assume it’s down to ageing, screen use, or the weather. But did you know that the medications you take could also be part of the problem?

Many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can reduce tear production or affect the quality of your tears. This side effect can easily be overlooked, especially if the medication is necessary for managing another health condition.

Let’s explore how medication affects your eyes, which drugs are most likely to cause dryness, and what you can do about it.

How medications affect tear production

Your eyes rely on a stable tear film to stay lubricated. Some medications interfere with this by:

• Reducing the amount of tears produced
• Changing the balance of oil and water in the tears
• Affecting the nerves that stimulate tear production.

When this happens, your eyes can become dry, gritty, and uncomfortable.

Common types of medication linked to dry eye

1. Antihistamines
   Used for allergies and hay fever, these drugs reduce watery eyes and nasal symptoms — but they also reduce tear production.
2. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication
   Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can alter nerve signals that regulate tear production.
3. Blood pressure medication
   Beta-blockers and diuretics are effective for heart health but can reduce eye moisture.
4. Decongestants
   Cold and flu remedies often contain decongestants that dry up sinuses and eyes.
5. Hormone therapy
   Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills can both influence tear film stability.
6. Acne medication
   Drugs like isotretinoin are well known for causing dryness throughout the body, including the eyes.
7. Pain relief medication
   Some over-the-counter drugs, including ibuprofen, have been linked to reduced tear production in regular users.

Why this matters more after 40

As we age, tear production naturally decreases. This means medications that cause dryness can have a bigger impact. Women going through menopause are particularly affected, as hormonal changes already make dry eye more likely.

Signs your medication could be the cause

• Dry, gritty, or burning sensation
• Excessive tearing (a response to dryness)
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Eyes that feel worse after taking certain medicines.

What you can do

1. Don’t stop medication suddenly
   Always talk to your doctor before making changes to prescribed treatment.
2. Mention your symptoms
   If you suspect your medication is causing dryness, your doctor may adjust the dosage or suggest an alternative.
3. Use lubricating drops
   Artificial tears can help replace lost moisture.
4. Adjust your environment
   Use a humidifier, avoid direct air conditioning, and wear sunglasses outdoors.
5. Blink more often
   Especially when using screens, as this spreads tears more effectively.
6. Seek professional dry eye care
   If symptoms don’t improve, specialised treatments like prescription eye drops or gland therapies may help.

The bottom line

Dry eyes can sometimes be traced back to the medication cabinet. By recognising the link and seeking support, you don’t have to choose between your health and your eye comfort.

Next steps

Take our dry eye self-test to see if you could benefit from dry eye treatment and tailored advice for your eyes.