Question: As a result of depression, I was given an antidepressant that caused dry mouth and headaches. It also caused the pressure inside my eye to go up a lot. I write this in case someone finds the information useful. (Jorge Luis Rodríguez, San Fernando)
It is estimated that In the world there are more than 350 million people who suffer from depression and consequently the consumption of antidepressants is very widespread.
It is therefore convenient to know the actions they have on the eyes, given the frequency with which their actions are evident in them.
They can be mentioned as the most frequent:
1) Blurred vision. It is due to the first generation tricyclics (amitriptyline) and the most used currently, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine), which can cause blurred vision.
This occurs because they affect the system that regulates the coordination of the muscles responsible for visual focus. This symptom usually appears at the beginning of treatment and may disappear as the body adjusts to the medication.
2) Dry eye syndrome. It is one of the most common eye complaints associated with the use of antidepressants because it reduces tear production.
Symptoms include itching, burning, redness and a feeling of grittiness, particularly annoying in people who already suffer from dry eyes due to other causes, such as advanced age or prolonged use of screens.
In menopausal and postmenopausal women, this discomfort is more common than in men of similar ages. Treatment usually includes the use of artificial tears and in some cases the adjustment of the medication dose.
3) Mydriasis (dilation of the pupils). Produced by some antidepressants, which increases sensitivity to light and affects vision. This occurs because these drugs act on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, a substance that is also present inside the eye.
In some cases, pupil dilation may increase the risk of developing angle-closure glaucoma in predisposed people, since the increase in pupil size can block the flow of fluid inside the eye and thus raise eye pressure.
Those who experience eye pain when starting treatment with psychotropic drugs should inform their doctor, since it is key to perform an eye examination to rule out and eventually treat elevated intraocular pressure.
It is key that the patient informs his or her doctor of any eye discomfort. / AFP4) Changes in color vision. It is due to the interaction of antidepressants between the eyes and the central nervous system and that causes a distortion in the way colors are registered.
Although this effect is rare, it can be significant in those people who need accurate color perception in their daily lives, such as painters or fine artists.
5) Production of cataracts. There is little research in this regard and it does not seem to provide precise data. In general, It is estimated that the risk of cataracts can increase from 20 to 23% compared to those who do not use thema figure that is not very significant and requires more research in this regard.
In conclusion, the ocular effects of antidepressants are frequent and varied and although many of them are mild and temporary, in other cases they can cause more serious disorders.
That’s why It is important that the patient inform their doctor of any symptoms or discomfort in the eyes. so that the ophthalmologist monitors, evaluates and identifies possible ocular complications.
