Accutane and Dry Eyes
What you need to know and treatment options at The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee
Over two million people worldwide have taken Accutane to treat severe acne. While it is highly effective for the skin, many patients are not aware that it can also affect the eyes — sometimes significantly.
If you’re currently taking Accutane (isotretinoin) or considering it, understanding its impact on your eyes is essential — especially if you’re experiencing dryness, irritation, or blurred vision.
💊 What Is Accutane (Isotretinoin)?
Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is a powerful oral medication used to treat severe or treatment-resistant acne.
It works by:
Shrinking oil glands in the skin
Reducing oil (sebum) production
Preventing clogged pores and inflammation
While this is highly effective for acne, the oil-reducing effect occurs throughout the body — including the delicate glands in your eyelids.
👁️ Why Does Accutane Cause Dry Eyes?
Your eyes rely on a healthy tear film made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucin .
The oil layer, produced by the meibomian glands in your eyelids, plays a crucial role in:
Preventing tears from evaporating too quickly
Keeping the eye surface smooth and comfortable
This is why using lubricating water eye drops will not solve the problem
Accutane reduces the function of these glands, leading to:
👉 Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
👉 Faster tear evaporation
👉 Chronic dry eye symptoms
This is why many patients on Accutane develop evaporative dry eye, even if they never had eye problems before.
⚠️ Common Dry Eye Symptoms on Accutane
If you’re taking Accutane, you may notice:
Red or bloodshot eyes
Excessive tearing (a reflex to dryness)
Gritty or sandy sensation
Burning or stinging
Eye irritation or fatigue
Light sensitivity
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Contact lens discomfort or intolerance
These symptoms can range from mild to severe — and may persist even after stopping the medication in some cases.
🔬 Can Accutane Cause Other Eye Problems?
Yes. Accutane can affect multiple parts of the eye.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology (2002) reported an increased risk of several ocular side effects due to changes in the eyelids, tear film, and retina.
These may include:
Blepharitis (inflamed eyelids)
Conjunctivitis (red or irritated eyes)
Increased light sensitivity
Contact lens intolerance
Changes in night vision or retinal function
Rarely, more serious conditions such as optic nerve swelling
While serious complications are uncommon, early detection is important.
💡 What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes
If you are on Accutane, proactive eye care can make a significant difference. The oil layer needs to be improved on , not the water layer so lubricating eye drops is not a solution.
Dr Cheryl Lee recommends:
Applying warm compresses to support oil gland function
Taking frequent breaks from screens (20-20-20 rule) and other eye tips here
Avoiding prolonged contact lens wear if uncomfortable
👩⚕️ When to See an Eye Specialist
You should seek an eye evaluation if:
Your symptoms persist or worsen
You cannot tolerate contact lenses
Your vision becomes blurry or fluctuates
Your eyes feel painful or sensitive to light
At The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, we offer advanced dry eye assessments to evaluate:
Tear film quality
Meibomian gland health
Inflammation of the eye surface
We suggest targeted treatments such as:
Blephex for blepharitis
Eye light and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
🌿 Don’t Ignore Dry Eyes During Acne Treatment
Accutane can be life-changing for your skin — but your eye health matters too.
With the right care and early intervention, dry eye symptoms can be effectively managed, allowing you to stay comfortable throughout your treatment.
👉 Book a Dry Eye Assessmentat The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee to get the dry eyes properly treated.