Are there certain medications that might cause dry eye or I should avoid if I have dry eye?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: Are there certain medications that might cause dry eye or I should avoid if I have dry eye?

Answer: So medications can affect the tear quality and quantity. And one of the more common ones are antihistamines, especially the over the counter antihistamine drops. The newer prescribed ones are better but they still have some drying effect on the eyes.

Patients who are taking stomach digestive problems or an antispasmodic group can do that. Antipsychotic meds including antidepressants, some of those can cause some dryness in the eyes. Heart disease patients will be on beta blockers which also can cause some dryness in the eyes. If you're unfortunate and you needed radiation therapy or chemotherapy, these things can also cause dryness of the eyes.