[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/can-montelukast-cause-dry-eyes\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/can-montelukast-cause-dry-eyes\/","headline":"Can montelukast cause dry eyes\u200b?","name":"Can montelukast cause dry eyes\u200b?","description":"Taking montelukast and noticing dry, sore eyes? \r\nSome medicines can affect tear health.\r\nRead our latest blog to learn more.\r\n","datePublished":"2026-01-23","dateModified":"2026-01-23","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Can-montelukast-cause-dry-eyes-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Can-montelukast-cause-dry-eyes-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":534,"width":950},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/can-montelukast-cause-dry-eyes\/","about":["Dry Eye & Blepharitis"],"wordCount":645,"articleBody":"Can montelukast cause dry eyes\u200b?Dry eyes are very common.They can make your eyes feel sore, gritty, or watery.Some people notice dry eye symptoms after starting a medicine and ask:\u201cCan montelukast cause dry eyes?\u201dThe short answer is: it can for some people.In this blog, we explain:What montelukast isWhat dry eye isHow medicines can affect the eyesWhat symptoms to watch forWhat help is availableWhat is montelukast?Montelukast is a medicine.It is often used to help treat:AsthmaHay feverAllergiesMontelukast works by calming swelling and irritation in the body.This helps people breathe more easily and reduces allergy symptoms.Why do medicines sometimes affect the eyes?Medicines travel through the whole body.Some medicines can:Change how tears are madeAffect the oil glands in the eyelidsReduce moisture on the eye surfaceThis can sometimes lead to dry eyes.What is dry eye?Dry eye happens when:Your eyes do not make enough tears, orYour tears dry out too fastTears are very important.They keep the eyes:SmoothComfortableClearWhen tears don\u2019t work well, eyes can feel sore.Common dry eye symptomsDry eyes may cause:Burning or stingingA gritty or sandy feelingRed eyesBlurry visionWatery eyesTired or heavy eyesSymptoms may be worse:In the morningWhen using screensIn dry airAfter taking certain medicinesCan montelukast cause dry eyes?Montelukast is not a common cause of dry eye.But some people do notice dry eye symptoms while taking it.This may happen because:The medicine can affect tear balanceAllergy changes can affect eye comfortThe body reacts differently in each personNot everyone who takes montelukast will get dry eyes.Who may be more likely to notice dry eyes with montelukast?Dry eyes may be more likely if you:Already have dry eyesUse screens a lotWear contact lensesHave allergiesAre over 40Take other medicines that cause drynessDry eye often has more than one cause.Are allergy medicines linked to dry eyes?Yes, some allergy medicines can make dry eye symptoms worse.This includes:AntihistaminesDecongestantsSome inhalersThese medicines can reduce moisture in the body, including the eyes.Should I stop taking montelukast if my eyes feel dry?No.You should never stop a medicine without speaking to your GP or specialist.If your eyes feel dry:Note when symptoms startedMention it to your eye care professionalSpeak to your GP if neededDry eye can often be treated without changing your medicine.How is dry eye checked?A dry eye assessment looks at:Tear qualityTear stabilityOil gland healthEyelid conditionSigns of inflammationThis helps find the true cause of symptoms.How is dry eye treated?Dry eye treatment is personal.Treatment may include:Preservative-free eye dropsWarm eye masksEyelid cleaningLifestyle adviceIPL treatmentTreating the cause helps symptoms improve.Can dry eye improve even if I stay on montelukast?Yes.Many people:Stay on their medicineTreat dry eye at the same timeFeel much more comfortableEarly treatment helps prevent symptoms from getting worse.When should I seek help?You should seek help if:Dry eye lasts more than a few weeksEye drops don\u2019t helpVision becomes blurryEyes feel painful or very soreDry eye is easier to treat when caught early.Why choose My Eye Clinic in Gosforth?At My Eye Clinic, we:Look at the whole pictureCheck for medicine-related dry eyeOffer modern dry eye treatmentsCreate clear care plansOur goal is healthy, comfortable eyes.Take the dry eye suitability self-testIf dry eyes are affecting your daily life, help is available.Take our quick dry eye suitability self-test to see if a dry eye assessment may be right for you."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Can montelukast cause dry eyes\u200b?","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/can-montelukast-cause-dry-eyes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]