Medication-Induced Dry Eye: Causes, Common Drugs, and What to Do
When your eyes feel gritty, burning, or like they’re full of sand—even when you’re not tired—it might not be allergies or screen strain. It could be your medication-induced dry eye, a side effect caused by prescription or over-the-counter drugs that reduce tear production or alter tear composition. Also known as drug-induced dry eye, this condition affects millions who take common medications without realizing their eyes are paying the price.
Many of the drugs you take daily can silently dry out your eyes. Antihistamines, used for allergies, block the signals that tell your eyes to produce tears. Immunosuppressants, like those used after transplants or for autoimmune diseases, reduce inflammation but also lower tear gland activity. Even common blood pressure pills, antidepressants, and acne treatments like isotretinoin can trigger it. You’re not imagining the discomfort—your body is reacting to the chemistry of the meds.
It’s not just about discomfort. Left unchecked, medication-induced dry eye can lead to corneal scratches, infections, or even vision changes. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. If you’re on any of these drugs and notice your eyes are drier than usual, talk to your doctor. Sometimes switching medications helps. Other times, simple fixes like preservative-free artificial tears, humidifiers, or reducing screen time make a big difference. You might also need to adjust when you take your pills—some drugs cause worse dryness when taken on an empty stomach.
What you’ll find below are real, practical posts that dig into exactly which medications are most likely to cause this issue, how to recognize the early signs before it gets serious, and what alternatives or supportive treatments actually work. From people managing dry eye while on immunosuppressants to those switching from one antihistamine to another, these stories and guides give you the tools to take back control—without stopping your essential meds.
- By Percival Harrington
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- 19 Nov 2025
Dry Eyes from Medications: How to Relieve Symptoms with Lubrication and Lifestyle Changes
Medications like antidepressants, blood pressure pills, and allergy drugs can cause dry eyes by reducing tear production. Learn how preservative-free drops, warm compresses, omega-3s, and lifestyle changes can relieve symptoms safely and effectively.