Ophthalmic drugs and toxicity

How drops are given, topical anaesthetics and steroids, ocular antibiotics, intravitreal injections and the ocular toxicity of systemic drugs.

8 pages

• Ethambutol and the optic nerveEthambutol, a tuberculosis drug, can damage both optic nerves
• Eye drops and ointments: how they are given and absorbedMost of an eye drop overflows or drains to the nose and into the blood
• Hydroxychloroquine: retinal screeningHydroxychloroquine is safe for most patients, but years of use can damage the retina for good
• Intravitreal anti-VEGF injectionsInjections into the eye that block VEGF have changed the outlook of wet macular degeneration and…
• Steroid eye drops: glaucoma, cataract and infectionSteroid drops calm inflammation but can raise eye pressure, cause cataract and worsen infections
• Systemic drugs that harm the eyeMany common drugs affect the eye, from harmless corneal deposits to blindness
• Topical anaesthetics: why they are never sent homeAnaesthetic drops are for examining the eye, never for home
• Topical antibiotics for the eyeAntibiotic drops shorten bacterial conjunctivitis and protect abrasions; keratitis needs…

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← Ophthalmology for the general doctor

Educational content; not a clinical guideline and no substitute for assessment by a health professional. For sudden visual loss, severe eye pain, a chemical burn or an eye injury, go to an emergency department at once.

Representative model, for educational purposes only.