drugs that can cause eye problems

[Mike Bartolatz]

here is information on drugs that cause problems with the eyes from the Review of Optometry:
Drug-Induced Ophthalmic Side Effects
Drug Side Effects

Methotrexate Conjunctivitis, serious visual changes of unknown etiology.

Arava (leflunomide Aventis) Blurred vision, cataract, conjunctivitis, eye disorder.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine, Ciliary body: Disturbance of accommodation with symptoms of blurred vision. This reaction is dose-Sanofi-Synthelabo) related and reversible with cessation of therapy. Cornea: Transient edema, punctate to lineal opacities, decreased corneal sensitivity. The corneal changes, with or without accompanying symptoms (blurred vision, halos around lights, photophobia), are fairly common but reversible. Corneal deposits may appear as early as three weeks following initiation of therapy. Retina (macula): Edema; atrophy; abnormal pigmentation (ranging from mild pigment stippling to a “bulls-eye” appearance); loss of foveal reflex; increased macular recovery time on photostress test; and elevated retinal threshold to red light in macular, paramacular and peripheral retinal areas. Other fundus changes: Include optic disc pallor and atrophy, attenuation of retinal arterioles, fine granular pigmentary disturbances in the peripheral retina and prominent choroidal patterns in advanced stage. Visual field defects: Paricentral or paracentral scotoma, central scotoma with decreased visual acuity, field constriction (rare). Most common visual symptoms attributed to retinopathy: reading and seeing difficulties (words, letters, or parts of objects missing), photophobia, blurred distance vision, missing or blacked out areas in the central or peripheral visual field, light flashes and streaks.
Humira (adalimumab, Abbott) Cataract.

Prednisone Cataract, glaucoma