When you take a medicine, you expect it to help—not hurt your eyes. But drug-induced eye side effects, visual problems caused by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Also known as medication-related vision changes, these issues can range from mild blurriness to permanent damage. Many people don’t connect their blurry vision or dry eyes to the pills they’re taking daily, and that’s dangerous.
Some common drugs linked to eye problems include leflunomide, a rheumatoid arthritis drug known to cause retinal toxicity, and conjugated estrogens, hormone therapy that can trigger dry eye or corneal changes. Even something as simple as antihistamines or blood pressure pills can reduce tear production or alter eye pressure. If you’re on long-term medication and notice trouble reading, seeing at night, or eye pain, it’s not just aging—it could be your drug.
These side effects don’t always show up right away. With drugs like leflunomide, vision loss can creep in over months. That’s why regular eye checkups matter, especially if you’re on chronic treatment. You don’t need to stop your meds—but you do need to know the signs: blurred vision, light sensitivity, color changes, double vision, or sudden floaters. Catching it early can stop permanent damage.
Not every drug causes these problems, and not everyone gets them. But if you’re taking something for arthritis, cancer, high blood pressure, or even depression, your eyes might be at risk. The good news? You’re not alone. Many people face this, and there are clear steps to protect yourself—monitoring, adjusting dosage, switching meds, or using artificial tears. Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been there: how one man caught vision loss from leflunomide before it was too late, how estrogen therapy changed someone’s contact lens comfort, and what to ask your doctor before starting a new prescription.
Learn why certain medications cause blurred vision, which drugs are most risky, and when you should get an eye exam to prevent permanent damage.