Vision Affecting Medications
Some medications may affect your vision over time. If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to have regular eye examinations at West Michigan Eye & Laser. Note: This is not an exhaustive list, as new medications are being introduced and reviewed constantly.
Plaquenil
Plaquenil is a drug used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. Plaquenil related eye complications do not happen often, but pigment changes in the macula of the retina can occur.
Plaquenil related toxicity and pigment in the macula can cause blurred vision. If changes occur, they happen gradually over time and may not be noticed right away. Using our state of the art Cirrus HD-OCT 5000, West Michigan Eye & Laser can examine the macula and detect subtle changes before you begin to notice any vision changes. It is recommend that patients taking Plaquinil have their eyes examined at least once a year, using this technology.
Patients are at highest risk for sight-threatening complications when they are on a higher dose of medication for long periods of time.
Aredia (Pamidronate Disodium), Fosamax (Alendronic Acid), Ibandronate, Zometa (Zolendronate), Actonel (Risedronate Sodium), Bonefos (Clodronate), Didrocal (Etidronate Disodium), Olpadronate
These medications are most commonly used to prevent bone resorption. They have been linked to anterior uveitis, scleritis, and nonspecific conjunctivitis.
Steroids
These medications are used extensively to treat asthma, emphysema, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and many other disorders. If you take these medications, you should have your eyes checked regularly to screen for problems such as glaucoma and cataracts that can occur in patients taking steroid medications.
Topamax (Topiramate)
This medication is often used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches and has been associated with angle closure glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside your eye rises quickly and is characterized by sudden eye pain, a red eye and reduced vision.
Viagra, Tadalafil, Cialis (Sildenafil), Levitra (Vardanafil)
These medications are used most commonly with erectile dysfunction and have been associated with changes in color perception.
Myambutol (Ethambutol)
Myambutol is an antibiotic medication that is commonly used to treat tuberculosis or other mycobacterial lung infections. This medication can be associated with optic nerve damage and requires regular monitoring to avoid this risk. Discuss with your West Michigan Eye & Laser doctor the most appropriate follow-up schedule for you.
Gilenya (Fingolimod)
Gilenya is most commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been associated with macular edema. It is recommended to have a baseline eye examination done, as well as have another examination done 3 to 4 months after starting treatment or if vision changes are noticed.
Statins
Statins are used to treat high cholesterol levels. They have been linked with double vision or drooping of the eyelids.
Herbal Medicines & Nutritional Supplements
Some herbal medicines & nutritional supplements have been linked to having ocular side effects. This list includes Canthaxanthine, Chamomile, Datura, Echinacea purpurea, Gingko biloba, Licorice, Niacin, and Vitamin A. It is important to always discuss any prescribed and non-prescribed supplements with your doctor.