Vision Therapy in Saint Charles

Medications That Can Cause Dry Eyes

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Dry Eye Syndrome as a Side Effect

Dry eye syndrome can result from various causes, including certain types of medications that have been identified as potential contributors to this condition. Typically, this occurs as a side effect of the medication's primary purpose.

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Common Medications Associated with Dry Eye Syndrome

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Many people may not realize that their drugs can contribute to dry eye symptoms. These medications can affect tear quantity or alter the quality of tear composition.

It's essential to recognize that dry eye can be a potential side effect of various medications. This can go a long way in finding the most appropriate treatment options.

  • Acne Medicine: Retinoids for Severe Acne

    If you're dealing with severe and painful cystic acne, your primary physician may have prescribed retinoid drugs. These medications work by diminishing the production of facial oils, but unfortunately, they can also reduce the amount of lubricating oils in your tears, contributing to dry eyes.

  • Antihistamines for Allergy Relief

    Antihistamine drugs can be vital for allergy sufferers, alleviating symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. However, they can have the unintended side effect of reducing tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms.

  • Sleeping Pills, Certain Antidepressants, and Medications for Parkinson's Disease

    Medications in these categories often work by blocking some nerve cell signals. While they may help with their intended purposes, they can also interfere with the signals that stimulate tear production, potentially causing dry eye symptoms.

  • Hypertension Drugs

    Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure by blocking the body's response to adrenaline. While they can be effective in this regard, they also slow the heartbeat and reduce the force of blood on arteries. These drugs can also lead to a decrease in aqueous tear production, resulting in dry eye symptoms.

  • Hormones and Birth Control Pills

    Certain hormone pills, particularly estrogen-only formulations, have been linked to dry eye syndrome. These medications can affect tear composition and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-Counter Medications

    Some over-the-counter medications, such as high doses of ibuprofen, may lead to dry eye symptoms. They can decrease tear secretion and cause eye discomfort.


Dealing with Dry Eye-Related Side Effects

While the list of medications above offers some insight into the typical culprits behind dry eye, it's crucial to remember that dry eye symptoms can emerge as an unexpected side effect of various medications or combinations of drugs.

It is important to note that you should never stop taking your prescribed medications without explicit guidance from your healthcare provider. Doing so without professional oversight could result in more severe health problems and may not necessarily alleviate symptoms of dry eyes.

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Patient Reviews
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234 Reviews
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- Jul. 01, 2024
Eye Doctor and staff very friendly and Professional
- Jun. 23, 2024
Great staff and easy simple and straightforward process to get glasses and an eye exam!
- Jun. 08, 2024
Awesome and knowledgeable staff!!! The made me feel very comfortable and took the time to explain al... l of the benefits my insurance provided. Atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly.
- May. 24, 2024
Great eye care!
- May. 23, 2024
Dr. Lutz is great. Very friendly. Easy going.
- May. 21, 2024
Crown now has a very helpful and knowledgeable staff, I am very glad to see the change in managemen... t
- May. 10, 2024
I have been coming here for many years. Dr Lutz is amazing. Great personality, makes you feel at hom... e and very caring. I trust him. Tamara has excellent customer service. Very caring and kind. I trust them. Love my new glasses. Fit perfectly. Again thanks so much. Keep up great work. Have great summer 🌞⛱️
- May. 07, 2024
Repaired my eyeglasses that other shop would not repair. Very friendly. Skilled opticians. $5.50 fo... r repairs.
- Apr. 14, 2024
Staff is helpful and nice. Dr. Lutz is great.
- Apr. 09, 2024
Would highly recommend nice and friendly and awesome quality My daughter loves her glasses
- Mar. 28, 2024
I used to be very skeptical of going to see doctors. I did not know anyone here at this location and... I wasn't sure if I trusted the service I was going to get. Its undeniable I need the service and I have the pleasure to say that my time at the Lindenwood location of Crown Vision is more than remarkable. Dr. Charles Lutz, Tami, and Sarah have gone over and beyond, without hesitation, got the prescription I needed. I got to know all of them on a personal level. Which a lot of people these days do not have in their ethical repertoire. It's amazing to know that I can build a relationship out of the last two years with what used to be strangers. Thank you, Dr. Charles, Tami, and Sarah!
- Mar. 15, 2024
Great team that makes sure you leave happy
- Feb. 09, 2024
Dr is very competent and good and staff were helpful...
- Nov. 25, 2023
We received excellent customer service
- Sep. 20, 2023
I love crown vision at this location. Any doctor that I see it doesn’t matter which one they’re ... always very helpful. Very nice they make me very comfortable and the staff all the women upfront and I do mean all of them saying that they are awesome is an understatement. I wouldn’t want to go to any other place or any other location for that matter because of them I’ve been with them for years and I love each and everyone of those women upfront they literally are the best I can’t say that enough seriously
- Sep. 01, 2023
Been seeing Dr Luz for over 25 years. He’s the best at prescribing your accurate lens! ❤️❤�... �❤️
- Aug. 18, 2023
Dr. Lutz and staff are awesome and will be visiting them next year!
- Jul. 23, 2023
First time visiting at this location and was AMAZED of getting an appointment right away (I was refe... rred to this location from another Crown Vision Center due to no openings), doctor and staff were excellent as well as the location!!! Thank you, keep doing what you do it is APPRECIATED!!!
- Jul. 11, 2023
Awesome customer service!
- Jun. 13, 2023
Very friendly staff. I was able to get in just before close on their later days so I didn’t have t... o bring 3 kids with me. I had some insurance issues and they were patient and helpful calling the insurance company for me. The Dr was also very nice and had some jokes. Overall good experience and I’d definitely choose this one over other locations again.

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Dry Eyes in Saint Charles

Our optometry practice in Saint Charles

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Dry Eye Management and Treatment

If you find yourself experiencing dry eye symptoms in connection with your medication regimen, the most prudent course of action is to promptly seek consultation with both your eye specialist and primary care physician.

This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, enabling healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action to manage and alleviate dry eye-related side effects.

At Crown Vision Center - Lindenwood, we'll evaluate your condition and medical history to determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. Take the first step towards a healthier you—schedule an appointment today and let us guide you on the path to wellness!

(636) 669-0556