The eyes are one of the most complex body parts to treat once they’ve been beset by vision problems such as retinopathy and macular degeneration. As medical science advances, however, more and more progress is made with drugs that can effectively stem the tide of vision loss; despite this promising advancement, it is imperative to become familiar with the general side effects of these drugs. Luckily, there are measures you can take to alleviate or even eliminate some of these side effects.
How Can Antibiotics Affect Your Eyes?
Most antibiotics don’t cause eye problems, but some can have side effects that impact your vision. These effects can range from mild issues like dry eyes or light sensitivity to more serious conditions like nerve damage or an increased risk of retinal detachment.
Antibiotics are generally credited as one of the pivotal discoveries in the early twentieth century because of their ability to provide an adequate response to previously devastating, unseen illnesses. Although antibiotics have significantly improved in the past few decades, many have side effects that can adversely affect vision. Some oral antibiotics have been linked with retinal detachment, which is an affliction often seen in boxers because of the traumatic nature of the sport. With this in mind, oral antibiotics such as Levaquin, Zoxin, and Cipro should be taken.
The list of collateral ailments doesn’t stop with oral antibiotics; topical ones are also known to cause both lesser and more serious symptoms. Take, for example, a few synthetic penicillins, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, which can result in itching and redness. Towards the more serious end of the spectrum, they’ve been known to cause internal bleeding in blood vessels, but this is quite rare.
Other antibiotics are known to cause eye problems such as the following:
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Dry eye syndrome
- Allergic conjunctivitis (red eye)
- Temporary vision distortion, which can even progress to outright night blindness
- Increased risk of glaucoma, especially in patients who already have diabetes
Common Antibiotics That Affect Vision
1. Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox) – Risk of Retinal Detachment
Fluoroquinolones are powerful antibiotics used to treat pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Some studies suggest that these drugs may slightly increase the risk of retinal detachment, a serious eye condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
What to watch for:
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Sudden flashes of light
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A shadow or curtain over part of your vision
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A sudden increase in floaters (tiny spots in your vision)
2. Tetracyclines (e.g., Doxycycline, Minocycline) – Increased Eye Pressure
Tetracyclines are commonly used to treat acne, Lyme disease, and respiratory infections. They have been linked to increased pressure inside the skull, which can pressure the optic nerve and lead to vision problems.
What to watch for:
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Blurry or dim vision
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Headaches that get worse when lying down
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Double vision
3. Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Erythromycin) – Dry Eyes and Blurry Vision
Macrolides are used for respiratory, skin, and even eye infections. While they are usually safe, some people may experience dry eyes, irritation, or temporary blurry vision when using them.
What to watch for
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Burning or itching in the eyes
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A gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
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Vision that gets temporarily blurry
Using artificial tears or staying hydrated can help with these symptoms.
4. Chloramphenicol – Nerve Damage in the Eye
Chloramphenicol is an older antibiotic rarely used today because of its severe side effects. One potential risk is damage to the optic nerve, which can cause vision loss over time.
What to watch for:
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Trouble seeing colors correctly
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Gradual loss of vision
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A dark or blurry spot in your central vision
This side effect is rare but serious, so doctors only prescribe chloramphenicol when necessary.
5. Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin, Streptomycin) – Balance and Vision Problems
Aminoglycosides are mainly used for severe infections. They are well known for causing hearing loss and balance problems, but they can also affect vision by making everything seem like it’s moving. This happens because they damage the inner ear, which helps control balance.
What to watch for:
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Feeling dizzy or off-balance
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Trouble focusing on objects
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A sense that the world is moving when it shouldn’t be
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Some people are more likely to experience vision problems from antibiotics, including:
- Those who take antibiotics for long periods
- Older adults
- People with existing eye conditions
- Those using multiple medications at the same time
While antibiotics are essential for treating infections, some can cause temporary or severe vision problems. The good news is that most side effects go away once you stop taking the medication. However, if you experience sudden vision changes, get checked by an eye doctor at Southwest Eye Center right away. Antibiotics tend to be used too often, which not only reduces their effectiveness when a real serious threat to health comes along, they also alter the body’s natural chemistry.
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