Vision Therapy in Westside

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.

woman adding eye drops

Patient Reviews
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493 Reviews
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- Oct. 01, 2024
I have been coming to this optical place for the past 3 years. Dr Bui is such a wonderful and caring... doctor. She is very thorough in her exams to an accurate result with my glasses. The staff is friendly and Maggie gave me such an excellent service selecting my glasses and placing my order for them. Dino is also a very excellent person. I had him before and he is great as well. I’m very happy with my results at this place and I highly recommend it!
- Aug. 25, 2024
I’ve been going to Memorial Eye Care for a couple years now. They have great customer service; fro... m the front desk to the doctors, they make you feel at ease. Dr Bui is great. She takes her time to explain everything. I’ve moved away from the area but I’ll still drive an hour away for my eye exam. She genuinely cares about you and your eye health. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a new optometrist.
- Aug. 19, 2024
I had an amazing experience with Sandra Bui at Memorial Eye Center - Wilcrest. I woke up on a Saturd... ay with pain, blurry vision, redness, and light sensitivity in my left eye. I was concerned that nothing would be open, but found this place on google. I called and asked if they take walk-ins. The person on the phone was very accommodating and got me an appointment with-in the hour. I had little to no wait and was greeted by Dr. Bui. She was able to tell me exactly what was wrong and how I could fix it. She was so kind and explained everything thoroughly. I appreciated how she also explained everything to my family member and included them in the discussions. Dr. Bui even followed up on Monday to make sure I was doing better with a personal phone call. This was an easy and great experience for a not-so-fun situation. I highly recommend her.
- Jul. 31, 2024
Dr. Bui is amazing!!
- Jun. 18, 2024
Everyone who worked there was incredibly kind and attentive. The doctor was also incredibly informat... ive about procedures and any questions I had about my eye health
- Jun. 13, 2024
Great
- May. 10, 2024
Dr. Sandra Bui has been my optometrist for quite a few years now and her knowledge of optometry and ... rapport with patients is unmatched. I just visited her yesterday and my prescription hasn’t changed. I had a swift and seamless appointment and the office is good about reminders, sending emails, phone calls, and texts to make sure that your insurance has been verified and to know the reason behind your appointment so that you can be taken care of. I couldn’t ask for more in an office or in an eye doctor. Highly recommend Dr. Bui and her team!
- Apr. 10, 2024
I have a very pleasant experience today at my exam. Super happy with Dr. Nguyen. He took his time ... to let you ask questions. He also ask you many questions pertaining to your situation and offer suggestions. I highly recommend anyone need anything optometry, please check this Memorial Eye Center out.
- Mar. 26, 2024
Great experience, friendly staff and thorough! They really try to help you and take the time to exp... lain things...and the staff is very patient with you as you select the right specs! Highly recommend!
- Mar. 07, 2024
Good staff,great customer service. Doctors and the staff at Wilcrest are awesome people. I can recom... mend the location to anybody.
- Jan. 24, 2024
Manager Madji is a great, she provides a great service, she fixed the issue I rate her a 100%
- Jan. 16, 2024
Dr. Bui has something that too many other doctors don't have b/c apparently it's not taught in med s... chool; she has an amazing personality. She will also show you, without being technical or condescending, what your eyes are doing. I highly recommend her, and can't wait to see her in the coming months.
- Dec. 18, 2023
Took my first exam and it wasn’t that bad at all. Finally got new glasses after 2 years wearing th... e previous glasses with a strap or templed tips on it.
- Dec. 15, 2023
Directions are direct and clear
- Nov. 03, 2023
I have been going there for a long time, everyone is friendly and I'm very happy with my new glasses... .
- Oct. 14, 2023
I had my first eye exam ever there and they were AMAZING. The staff are very friendly and helpful. D... r. Bui was so sweet and told me exactly what I needed. I defined recommend this location to everyone In need of eye exams/ glasses.
- Sep. 26, 2023
The staff is super friendly .. well recommend to everybody.
- Aug. 27, 2023
Amazing staff
- Aug. 21, 2023
Patient went to memorial eye clinic recently and received high quality service from the staff member... s and the doctor tote hope I spelled her name right pick up my glasses today definitely a satisfied customer service I can see very well what a great awesome place to go for eyeglasses eye exams and amazing glasses to choose from memorial eye Care center on Westheimer and definitely recommend this place to go and get great experience from the staff members and the doctor's office thank y'all for my great experience choosing MemorialCare eye on Westheimer and wilcrest location THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE PATIENT MS DEROUSSELLE. Highly recommend very professional
- Aug. 16, 2023
She got the job done and I would refer everyone I know to her

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Dry Eyes in Westside

Our optometry practice in Westside

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
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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 Memorial Eye Center - Wilcrest, 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!

(713) 977-1170