Vision Therapy in Lemont

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

woman inspecting medication

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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- Aug. 16, 2024
Dr. Flora and the office are the best. Every time one of my family members has a vision appointment ... I get nervous about experience and cost from past experience. Another wonderful visit my wife had today, fully explained everything, gives you all the options, no upsell or surprise charges. Calm, friendly, refreshing. Dr . Flora was also great with my sons and myself.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Forzley Eye Clinic is awesome. From the great staff to the professional Doctors. Dr. Flora was very ... helpful with getting me in right away today when I ended up having an eyelash stuck in my eye causing major pain and irritation. He was quick to figure out the problem and the whole process was quick and painless. I recommend Forzley to anyone who is looking for an eye doctor.
- Feb. 12, 2024
Dr. Forzley has been my eye provider since the year he hung out his shingle and had an office on Sta... te Street. He is one of the most thoughtful and caring providers I have worked with. He listens, makes great recommendations and follows up. I have been so happy being one of his patients that I brought in my own kids to see him and now my husband is a patient. he is a gem!!!!
- May. 16, 2023
After waking up with an eye infection last Saturday, I stopped by Forzley Eye Clinic to see if they ... could help me. They readily worked me into their schedule, and I left with a prescription for the infection. Everyone was both professional and kind. Much appreciated!
- Jan. 17, 2023
My wife and I left Target Optical for Forzley Eye Clinic and couldn’t be happier. Dr. Flora was fr... iendly, professional, and efficient. The optician Jess offered excellent customer service and was very helpful in selecting glasses for us to try on. Highly recommend this place.
- Oct. 07, 2022
The absolute best, most thorough eye exam I've ever had. Staff was knowledgeable, professional and f... riendly. They had my best interests in mind and weren't just trying to sell me on things. Been wearing glasses pretty much my whole life and this was the absolute best experience I've ever had. Highly recommend.
- Oct. 04, 2022
Love Dr. Forzley. He and his staff are very nice and professional, every visit.
- Aug. 24, 2022
Dr. Forzley is awesome. Best eye care available.
- Jul. 21, 2022
Outstanding!
- Apr. 11, 2022
Staff was super friendly. Doc was great, extremely knowledgeable and thorough. Discussed all option... s to help me make best decision for myself. Would highly recommended.
- Feb. 23, 2022
Dr. Forzley is one of the best Doctors I have ever dealt with in both to his medical skill but most ... importantly his relationship with his patients. He is truly a good man who cares about the people he attends to. He listens and explains everything to the patient so you leave knowing any issues or problems. I recently took my elderly father to see him due to a sudden loss of vision and the entire staff could not have been better. Not only did they take care of him but Dr. Forzley called me on a Sunday just to follow up and make sure everything was okay. Not many Doctors do that on their days off. This is a man who should be teaching his profession to the future Doctors out there. I could not be more happy with Dr. Forzley and his entire staff.
- Feb. 15, 2022
I've been going to Dr. Forzley for years. I can't say enough about him, as well as his staff. The be... st eye doctor with the friendliest staff. I have recommended friends and family over the years.
- Feb. 01, 2022
Friendly staff, great doctors.
- Jan. 28, 2022
Great eye doctor office.
- Jan. 13, 2022
Love this eye doctor practice and glasses shop! I’ve been going here for most of my life and have ... never had any major issues. Everyone is always lovely.
- Dec. 09, 2021
Dr. Forzley, his staff and all the people there were professional, knowledgeable, kind , friendly an... d very helpful. couldn’t ask for a better place for Eye Care. God bless them all.
- Dec. 03, 2021
Have been seeing Dr Forzely for many years. His office staff is friendly but very professional at al... l times. They have all the answers your questions. Dr. Forzely is so helpful and is experienced with all optical problems you may have. He addresses any of your concerns competently and concisely. With all the COVID practices now, the office has adapted many safety procedures to make you feel very secure. Just can't praise Dr. Forzely and his office enough. I recommend him highly. You'll be happy if you have him and his team assisting you. Gloria Slomiany.
- Dec. 01, 2021
Everyone in this office were very friendly and helpful! My wife and I were very impressed with the q... uality service we had received!
- Nov. 19, 2021
Everyone was friendly and the experience was comfortable. Would recommend.
- Nov. 05, 2021
Dr. Forzley is the best! Very knowledgeable, answers all questions and friendly (Same with the staff... ) Always has great products and state of the art equipment.

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Dry Eyes in Lemont

Our optometry practice in Lemont

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
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  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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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 Forzley Eye Clinic, 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!

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