Certain antidepressants can affect your vision
Have you noticed your vision becoming less sharp or even blurry?
It might be because of your antidepressant.
Blurred vision can be a possible side effect of taking antidepressants.
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Blurriness is one sign, but you might also experience other effects like itching, burning, and redness.
Fortunately, these side effects tend to subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
Sometimes, your eye doctor may recommend blocking tear ducts to alleviate dryness.
It is believed that the serotonergic andanticholinergicactions of these antidepressants lead to an ocular emergency.
It results in high pressure inside the eye and the blockage of aqueous fluid from exiting the eye.
It can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Recap
Blurry vision and dry eyes are the vision problems most reported by people taking antidepressants.
However, other more serious problems have also been reported.
Due to their tendency to cause side effects, tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed less frequently than in the past.
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about vision issues while taking this medication.
However, people may also experience various other effects while taking SSRI and SNRI medications, including blurry vision.
These medications may impact the eye’s pupillary muscles, making it difficult to focus on near objects.
It can also contribute to dry eyes, making it more difficult to focus.
SSRI and SNRI medications may also be associated with other eye problems, although these effects appear less common.
Acute glaucoma and optic neuropathy have been reported.
How Long Will Blurred Vision Last?
If you are experiencing vision-related symptoms, talk to your doctor about how long these effects might last.
There are many causes of blurred vision of which antidepressants are only one.
A humidifier may also provide some relief.
Avoid Smoking and Other Irritants/Allergens
Avoid smoking as well as secondhand smoke.
Consider Punctal Plugs
Talk with your doctor about punctal plugs.
If this is not possible, it may be time to switch to a differentclass of antidepressant.
Lowering your dose or switching medications may also be helpful.
Symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can include muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, odd sensations, and dizziness.
It is also possible that your depression could return or become worse if you stop taking your medication.
Your doctor can advise you on how to stop taking or changing your medication to avoid these problems.
In many cases, your doctor may recommend gradually tapering your dose to avoid unwanted withdrawal effects.
Takeaways
Antidepressants may produce side effects, including vision issues.
The most common vision-related problems are blurred vision and dry eyes, but other conditions may also occur.
Keep an eye on your symptoms and consult your doctor about any concerns you have.
These issues can often be managed with dry eye remedies or medication adjustments.
You may also notice that these problems lessen as you become accustomed to your medication.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant Use Among Adults: United States, 2015-2018.
ACRS Surgeon World.Monitor the eyes for ocular effects from antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications.
Lochhead J.Keep an eye on the SSRI: help avoid possible sight-threatening adverse events.Br J Gen Pract.
2016;66(643):91. doi:10.3399/bjgp16X683641
National Eye Institute.At a glance: Dry eye.
2015;5(6):357-68. doi:10.1177/2045125315612334
