Vision Therapy in South Lake Union

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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214 Reviews
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- Dec. 19, 2024
Dr Annie Yu, Arishma, and Jerome were all super friendly and helpful! Best eye doctor and clinic exp... erience I've ever had.
- Dec. 18, 2024
Friendly staff, clean office and great atmosphere. Dr. Thoreby is very Knowledgeable.
- Dec. 12, 2024
Everyone was very nice and helpful!
- Dec. 06, 2024
Great staff and Dr. Yu was awesome. Also a really nice selection of frames to choose from. I will be... back.
- Nov. 27, 2024
Friendly knowledgeable staff and the latest technology for testing eye health and vision. Highly rec... ommend! Conveniently situated in downtown Seattle, too.
- Nov. 01, 2024
Easy, friendly and helpful. Nice selection of frames. Opticians did a great job of explaining my ins... urance options.
- Oct. 31, 2024
I was blown away by how awesome the folks at Urban Optix were. Dr. Yu and here staff were all friend... ly and knowledgeable and my eye exam was a breeze from beginning to end. As someone who has worn glasses for 30+ years I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
- Oct. 31, 2024
The staff are all very friendly and welcoming. The office is very modern and clean. Dr Lee is very c... ool and down to earth. She makes visiting the eye doctor easy. Have never had issues finding street parking in the area. There are some great neighboring spots to eat and drink.
- Oct. 30, 2024
Friendliest staff!
- Sep. 12, 2024
Everyone in the office was friendly, professional and helpful. I also appreciated that most everyone... was masked, making me feel like they cared about the health of their clients.
- Sep. 10, 2024
Dr. Annie Yu and the staff at Urban Optix were great. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Very easy pa... tient experience with modern technology. Currently, there’s construction outside the building that probably blocked signage, which made it a little confusing for me to find as a first timer. Overall, am very happy I found them and am happy to return here regularly!
- Aug. 30, 2024
I was in town visiting and had a minor emergency and the staff went out of their way to help me out ... on short notice! Was very impressed with how friendly and accommodating everyone was, especially given that I am not a current client. Thank you so much!
- Aug. 02, 2024
Awesome, people.
- Aug. 01, 2024
I am very nearsighted, so I have been going yearly to the eye doctor, but have always also struggled... with extra headaches all the way from school-age. I have tried vision therapy and have seen lots of eye doctors. Dr. Yu was the first doctor to listen to all of my concerns and really narrow down what my problem was. I finally have a prescription that fits my needs. After 25 years I finally know what it is like to use both eyes!
- May. 09, 2024
Wonderful staff. Great office and they make sure you are satisfied with their service.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Warm and friendly staff. Doctors are super patient with you, answer all your questions and also help... you understand your eye exam results.
- Apr. 11, 2024
Love this place. Staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable. Can't recommend enough
- Apr. 04, 2024
I had an appointment to get fitted for contact lenses for the first time and my experience was great... ! Everyone was so nice (Dr. Yu, Anna, and receptionist I didn’t catch the name of). They all took their time explaining everything I needed to know about contacts and were patient and helpful teaching me how to put them in and care for them. Thank you guys!
- Mar. 01, 2024
A great place for eye exams & purchasing frames and lenses. Great experience.
- Feb. 05, 2024
When I left my job, I didn't go to Urban Optix for a couple years. But I couldn't find a place that ... had the same service and vibe. This is such a sweet place. They are quick, fun, and have great taste. And they always ask about my dog/child. lol.

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Dry Eyes in South Lake Union

Our optometry practice in South Lake Union

Photograph of Sean  Thoreby
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • First Choice Health

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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 Urban Optix, 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!

(206) 420-7366