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Eye Drops

- Summary
- About eye drops
- Types and differences
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Brad Oren, M.D.

Potential side effects of eye drops

Most side effects related to eye drop use are minor. These may include:

  • Lengthening or thickening of eye lashes
  • Darkening of skin around eye lashes
  • Taste of drops in throat
  • Dilated pupils
  • Tingling sensation in the eye
  • Redness around eyes
  • Burning, stinging eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Eye puffiness
  • Eye dryness
  • Drowsiness
  • Sensation of foreign object in eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Headaches
  • Achy eyes
  • Crusting in eyelids, eyelashes or corner of eyes
  • Nose dryness
  • Runny or stuffy nose

More serious side effects related to eye drop use may include:

  • Respiratory distress
  • Heart palpitations (an awareness of a strong, fast, irregular, abnormal or "galloping" heartbeat)
Patients should note that many of these symptoms are unique to specific types of eye drops.

Corticosteroids can be used to treat eye allergies, but only with caution and under a physician’s close monitoring. Long-term use can lead to pressure build-up in the eye from glaucoma or the formation of cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens that can impact vision.

In general, patients should stop using eye drops and consult their physician when any of the following occurs:

  • Eye pain
  • Vision changes
  • Persistent redness or irritation of the eyes
  • Symptoms worsen or last more than 72 hours

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Review Date: 07-03-2007

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