Ocular changes induced by drugs commonly used in dermatology

The use of many drugs in dermatologic diseases may cause ocular side effects. Some may regress after discontinuation of the therapy, but others persist or progress even after the cessation of treatment. This review presents four groups of commonly prescribed drugs—antimalarial medicines, glucocorticoids, retinoids, and psoralens + ultraviolet A (UVA) therapy—and discusses their possible ocular side effects.The most significant complication of antimalarial drugs is retinopathy with the risk of permanent visual impairment. There are different recommendations for screening for this drug-related retinopathy. The most important ocular manifestations of steroid management are irreversible optic nerve damage in “steroid responders” (steroid glaucoma) and cataract. Some other side effects may disappear after discontinuation of the therapy. Retinoid-induced ocular side effects include ocular surface disease as well as retinal dysfunction. It is recommended to modify the therapy when night blindness occurs or after the decrease of color vision. Protective eyewear is sufficient to avoid ocular surface problems during psoralen + UVA therapy.The knowledge of screening schemes and closer cooperation between physicians may decrease the risk of serious or irreversible ocular side effects.