Can eyesight problems result from taking prescription medications?

Other examples are medicines for impotency. It is true that in a recent study healthy men who took such medicines daily for a period of six months did not develop vision problems. However the manufacturer of one of these drugs reports that eye stroke is common in patients over 50 and those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These are at increased risk of damaging the optic nerve. It appears that men who do not have a history of heart attacks are not in such danger.

Here are a few of the medications that can potentially affect losing your eyesight in these specific ways:

Drugs that may damage the retina

are Plaquenil (hydroxchloriquine sulfate) which is a drug routinely prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. Clonidine may be used to lower blood pressure. Thioridazine which is used to fight infections can cause pigmentary retinopathy and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which can cause cataracts, dry eyes, and retinal hemorrhages from long-term use. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

are NSAIDS, some antidepressants and antibiotics as well as Heparin, coumadin, anisidione and oral anti-coagulants.

steroids such as Prednisone which are the most damaging drugs to the eyes of any prescription drug. If you need to take steroids, be sure to supplement your diet with anti-oxidants such as vitamins E and C, and beta-carotene. Ask your doctor if you can replace Prednisone with a natural cortisone such as hydrocortisone.

are photosensitizing drugs that make you more sensitive to the sun.

are antibiotics, antidepressants and blood pressure medications.

These are but a few of some of the side effects that can result from taking prescription medications. Of course, overuse of any drugs can most certainly be harmful to the body and eyes. It should be noted that before discontinuing medications prescribed by your doctor for such things as high blood pressure you should first consult with him.

There are ways to improve your eyesight and even help prevent vision problems. These include eye exercises and supplements for the eyes.

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Tags: cataracts, eye-problems, eye+exercises, Glaucoma, improve+your+sight, losing+your+eyesight, prescriptiondrugs, supplemets, vision+problems

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