Roaccutane and Dry Eye: What You Need to Know
Can Roaccutane Cause Dry Eye?
Yes. Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is a highly effective medication used to treat severe acne, but it can also affect the eyes.
Many people taking Roaccutane notice symptoms such as dry, gritty or irritated eyes. For some, these symptoms are mild and temporary, while others may develop more persistent dry eye that requires treatment.
If you've started Roaccutane and your eyes suddenly feel uncomfortable, you're not imagining it—dry eye is a recognised side effect.
Why Does Roaccutane Affect the Eyes?
Roaccutane works by reducing the activity of the body's oil-producing glands.
While this helps reduce acne, it can also affect the meibomian glands in the eyelids.
These tiny glands produce the oily layer of the tear film, which slows the evaporation of tears and keeps the eyes comfortable.
When the glands produce less oil or poorer-quality oil, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to evaporative dry eye.
Symptoms of Roaccutane-Related Dry Eye
Common symptoms include:
Dry eyes
Burning or stinging
Gritty sensation
Watery eyes
Red eyes
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Light sensitivity
Contact lens discomfort
Symptoms often become worse towards the end of the day or during prolonged screen use.
Can Roaccutane Damage the Meibomian Glands?
Research suggests that isotretinoin can affect the structure and function of the meibomian glands during treatment.
In many patients, gland function improves after the medication is stopped. However, some people may continue to experience symptoms, particularly if they already had underlying meibomian gland dysfunction before starting treatment.
Early assessment is important if symptoms become persistent or severe.
Should You Stop Taking Roaccutane?
Not necessarily.
Roaccutane is a highly effective treatment for acne and many people complete treatment without significant eye problems.
If you develop dry eye symptoms, do not stop taking your medication without discussing it with the doctor who prescribed it.
Instead, arrange a dry eye assessment so the underlying cause can be identified and managed appropriately while continuing to work with your dermatologist or GP.
How Is Roaccutane-Related Dry Eye Diagnosed?
At The Dry Eye Suite, we carry out a comprehensive dry eye assessment to determine exactly why your eyes are uncomfortable.
This may include:
Detailed symptom history
Slit lamp examination
Tear film assessment
Meibomian gland evaluation
Meibography (photographs of the meibomian glands)
Assessment of the ocular surface
Understanding the health of your meibomian glands helps guide the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the health of your meibomian glands.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops
These help improve comfort and support the ocular surface.
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses may help improve the flow of oil from the meibomian glands.
Blephasteam®
Blephasteam provides controlled moist heat, helping to soften thickened oils and improve gland function.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
For suitable patients with significant meibomian gland dysfunction, IPL may help reduce inflammation and improve gland function.
Suitability is determined following a comprehensive assessment.
Personalised Home Care
Many patients benefit from tailored eyelid hygiene, blink exercises and lifestyle advice to help manage their symptoms.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses While Taking Roaccutane?
Some people continue wearing contact lenses without difficulty.
However, others find that lenses become uncomfortable because of reduced tear film stability.
If you notice increasing discomfort, it's worth arranging a dry eye assessment rather than simply changing your contact lenses.
When Should You Seek Help?
You should consider a specialist assessment if:
Your eyes became dry after starting Roaccutane.
Eye drops only provide temporary relief.
Contact lenses have become uncomfortable.
Your vision fluctuates throughout the day.
Your symptoms continue after finishing treatment.
Early management may help improve comfort and support the health of your ocular surface.
How We Can Help
At The Dry Eye Suite, we specialise in diagnosing and managing dry eye disease using advanced diagnostic technology, including meibography to assess the health of your meibomian glands.
If you've developed dry eye symptoms while taking Roaccutane, we'll identify the underlying cause and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your eyes.
Book your comprehensive dry eye assessment today at The Dry Eye Suite, Harold's Cross, Dublin.