Vision Therapy in Grove City

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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42 Reviews
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- Aug. 18, 2025
Love the new staff! Everyone is very knowledgeable and very nice! Dr. Jenny Tran and Dr. Kelly Jo Ma... kley are two of the best doctors I’ve visited! Prices are fair and time to get glasses back is reasonable. Definitely coming back and spreading the good word!
- Aug. 18, 2025
Great service and awesome doctors. My insurance is confusing but they walked me through my vision be... nefits. After insurance it was way better than i expected. They said 2 weeks for my glasses to be done and it was about 12 days with the weekend! I look forward to seeing them next year.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I saw Dr Tran after Dr Perigo retired. I was so happy and she is very good! Took time, explained ... everything and offered variables for contacts and I am loving the new RX she put me in!! Kudos for nailing the numbers for my vision. Very kind and thorough. I highly recommend Dr Tran!
- Aug. 04, 2025
This is my eye doctor for over 20 years. Their new doctor Jenny Tran OD, did me a solid by squeezin... g me in when I had bright lights, floaters and a possible retina detach. Her knowledge, demeanor and explanation made me feel I totally understood what is going on. I cannot recommend her or Dr Makely enough. Great job.
- Apr. 15, 2025
I brought my daughter here for the first time yesterday, and the doctor was absolutely amazing. She ... was very knowledgeable and genuinely seemed to care. The office manager Denise was awesome and super helpful with the referral and follow up details.
- Apr. 10, 2025
Hands down, awesome experience that I received yesterday for appointment 🙂
- Mar. 08, 2025
Extremely friendly staff who showed real concern for my needs. Thank you!
- Feb. 21, 2025
My family has been going to Dr. Perigo & Makely for the past 10 years and couldn't be happier with o... ur experiences. Both doctors are patient, caring, and have a wonderful demeaner. All of the staff members are polite, helpful, and thorough. We are loyal customers!
- Mar. 11, 2024
Perigo Eye Care is caring and very helpful. Their staff is great and their glasses are reasonably p... riced
- Feb. 23, 2024
Friendly staff and personable doctor. Very helpful and patient with answering questions. Highly reco... mmend!
- Feb. 19, 2024
Wonderful customer service, nice, friendly people. It’s a pleasure to do business here.
- Feb. 03, 2024
We've used Perigo for years and will continue using them. They've always been great with our kids, e... specially with repairs and patience!
- Dec. 18, 2023
The best care I've received hands down.
- Sep. 19, 2023
Very patient working with my family on contact practice and picking out glasses. Helped give my daug... hters even get separate cases when they had the same one. Doctor has great manner and is very patient answering questions. It's a very clean office with a great staff.
- Oct. 29, 2021
Staff is always so friendly. Lobby is always clean and nice. And Dr. Perigo is super knowledgeable,... patient and makes you feel like family. Thank you.
- Sep. 23, 2021
The people there r always so nice and I really like the Dr I see. Very professional. The place is ve... ry clean too.
- Jun. 24, 2020
From the minute you walk in the door you are made to feel that you and your eye care are important. ... Dr. Perigo takes his time with you as do the assistants that help you with finding frames etc. I highly recommend Perigo Family Eyecare. You won't be disappointed!!
- Feb. 11, 2020
Dr. Perigo is awesome and so are the staff!
- Dec. 23, 2019
amazing place to get eye care from the doctor was very attentive to my needs and Andrea who is a fri... end of the family thank you perigo family
- May. 07, 2019
Great place and excellent staff, the optometrist explained everything in detail and she's pretty hot... 😁. Highly recommend this place

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Dry Eyes in Grove City

Our optometry practice in Grove City

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Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Insurance Plans
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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 Perigo Family EyeCare, 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!

(614) 539-3937