Why does my eye doctor need to know all my medications?

Patients don't always necessarily think of bringing in their list of medications to an eye exam.  In the past when asking a patient's health history some respond with: it's not relevant.  The truth is: It's all relevant!  Medications and systemic history play a big role in ocular health.

The eye is a blue print to your health.  By dilating your pupil and looking at your retina we can see if any systemic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, among others are affecting your ocular health.  Diabetes affects the vision of more than half of the 18 million people diagnosed with diabetes above the age of 18.

Medications are also very important.  Certain medications can lead to vision problems.  Long term use of systemic corticosteroids can lead to the premature formation of a certain type of cataract that can lead to both distance and near vision loss.  Patients with auto immune disease taking high dosages of plaquenil can have loss of central vision.  This does not happen often but I have seen it.  It is important that your eye doctor knows because a visual field test would need to be done at least once a year to monitor any changes.  So many medications can cause changes in your vision so it's important for us to know so we can treat or monitor accordingly.

A recent study published by JAMA Psychiatry (found here) states that children and youth on anti-psychotics are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.  A 3 fold increase risk, the study states.  We know that if not controlled type 2 DM can lead to loss of vision.

Supplements are no exception.  High dosages of Vitamin A and beta carotene may lead to an increase risk in lung cancer in current and former smokers.  Always consult your physician before starting any supplement. 

So not only is it important to bring your medications to an eye exam but it's also important to be aware of the side effects.   Next time you go in for an eye exam remember to bring in a list of medications if any.  You'll be surprised at what you discover!