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  • Can over-the-counter eye drops affect intraocular pressure?


    Question:

    Can over-the-counter eye drops (used approximately three times a day for over ten years) cause high eye pressure?


    Answer:

    I am guessing that your over-the-counter (OTC) drops are tear supplements used for dry and or allergic eye issues. I'm unaware of an OTC drop known to raise intraocular pressure (IOP). Any spike seen in your eye pressure while using OTC drops is very likely spontaneous and unrelated. Likewise with the most common form of glaucoma, there is no known cause. Hopefully you are now being followed closely by your ophthalmologist. They can monitor your eye pressure to prevent glaucoma, which damages your optic nerve.


    Answered By:

    Dry Eye