Why should you not take Benadryl if you have glaucoma?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is bad for some glaucoma patients because it can dilate the pupils, which risks narrowing the eye's drainage angle and triggering a painful, sight-threatening acute angle-closure glaucoma attack, especially in those with pre-existing narrow angles, unlike open-angle glaucoma where it's generally less of an issue. It reduces tear production and can increase eye pressure, making it dangerous for narrow-angle glaucoma, while newer antihistamines are often safer.

Does Benadryl increase eye pressure?

Yes, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can increase eye pressure and potentially trigger a dangerous acute angle-closure glaucoma attack in susceptible individuals, as it causes pupil dilation, which blocks the eye's drainage angle, leading to fluid buildup and a sudden, severe pressure spike. It's crucial to consult an ophthalmologist before taking it if you have glaucoma or risk factors, especially for narrow-angle glaucoma, as this condition requires immediate emergency treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. 

Why can't you take antihistamines with glaucoma?

Some allergy medications include ingredients that can cause pupil dilation resulting in a condition called acute angle-closure glaucoma.

What can worsen glaucoma?

Glaucoma worsens with factors like uncontrolled high eye pressure (IOP), poor blood flow (due to high/low blood pressure or atherosclerosis), certain medications (steroids, some antihistamines/decongestants), excessive caffeine/alcohol, smoking, high salt/saturated/trans fats in diet, stress, intense activities (weightlifting, yoga inversions, bungee jumping), and untreated food allergies, all impacting optic nerve health or fluid drainage.
 

Does Benadryl affect your eyes?

This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort.

WARNING! Avoid These Medications if You Have Glaucoma | Eye Surgeon Explains #draudreytai

Why are doctors no longer recommending Benadryl?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) isn't recommended as much because it's an older drug with more significant side effects (drowsiness, dry mouth, confusion) and potential long-term risks like increased dementia, especially compared to newer antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra) that are safer, non-drowsy, and work better without crossing the blood-brain barrier as much. Doctors now prefer these second-generation options for allergies and even sleep, as Benadryl doesn't improve sleep quality and can be dangerous for older adults, leading to falls and cognitive issues, says this report from the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
 

What is the best antihistamine for eyes?

For fast, effective relief from itchy, watery eyes due to allergies, top over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops are Pataday (Olopatadine) and Zaditor/Alaway (Ketotifen), offering long-lasting, dual action (antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer) in once or twice-daily formulas, with Pataday often cited as #1 for overall relief. Prescription options like Lastacaft (Alcaftadine) or stronger Olopatadine exist for severe cases, but always consult your doctor or pharmacist for the best fit, especially if you need redness relief (like Naphcon-A, but use cautiously) or have sensitive eyes.
 

What is the super food for glaucoma?

Antioxidants and nitrates may reduce glaucoma risk and are found in fruits and vegetables. It is best to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those that are rich in Vitamin A and C, carotenes and nitrates. These include green leafy vegetables, carrots, cruciate vegetables, berries, citrus fruits and peaches.

What is the best thing you can do to stop glaucoma from getting worse?

To prevent glaucoma from worsening, strictly adhere to prescribed eye drops or medications, get regular eye exams, maintain a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and antioxidants, exercise moderately (avoiding head-down yoga poses), manage stress, limit caffeine and alcohol, wear protective eyewear, and quit smoking; consistency in treatment and lifestyle changes are crucial for slowing optic nerve damage. 

What medication should I avoid if I have glaucoma?

If you have glaucoma, especially narrow-angle glaucoma, you should avoid drugs that can dilate pupils or increase eye pressure, including anticholinergics (like some allergy/cold meds, overactive bladder drugs, anti-nausea meds, certain antidepressants) and corticosteroids (pills, nasal sprays). Also risky are sulfonamides, ephedrine/phenylephrine (decongestants), certain antidepressants (tricyclics, some SSRIs), and anticoagulants, so always consult your eye doctor and pharmacist about your medication list. 

What can trigger glaucoma?

Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, usually from increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to fluid buildup when the eye's drainage system gets blocked or doesn't work properly, leading to vision loss; it can also stem from poor blood flow or injury, affecting the nerve that transmits visual information to the brain, notes MedlinePlus, Cleveland Clinic, and Stanford Health Care.
 

Can Zyrtec be taken with glaucoma?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is generally considered safer than older antihistamines for glaucoma, but it's crucial to check with your ophthalmologist because some allergy meds, including Zyrtec-D (which has a decongestant) or even Zyrtec alone, can cause pupil dilation, risking an acute angle-closure attack in people with narrow angles. For open-angle glaucoma, most allergy meds are fine, but always consult your eye doctor to know your specific glaucoma type and ensure medication safety. 

Is there a relationship between blood pressure and eye pressure?

Yes, eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP) and blood pressure (BP) are related, but the connection is complex: high systemic blood pressure can slightly raise IOP, but both very high and very low blood pressure (hypotension) can increase glaucoma risk by affecting blood flow to the optic nerve, making blood pressure control crucial but needing careful balance. 

What sleep aid can I take with glaucoma?

I recommend that my patients begin taking a minimum of 500mcg (0.5mg) of Melatonin thirty minutes prior to going to bed at night. If they are also having difficulty falling asleep then I will instruct them to slowly increase the dose until they have reached a maximum dose of 5mg per night.

Does Benadryl make your pressure go up?

No, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) itself generally does not raise blood pressure and is often considered safe for those with hypertension, but it can sometimes cause a slight drop in blood pressure (hypotension) or a fast heart rate, especially in older adults. The main risk comes from combination cold/allergy products containing decongestants (like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) which do raise blood pressure; always check labels and avoid these if you have high blood pressure. 

What drugs cause glaucoma?

Medications that can cause or worsen glaucoma include corticosteroids, certain antihistamines/cold meds, some antidepressants, sulfa-drugs, and some blood pressure drugs, primarily by increasing eye pressure or narrowing the eye's drainage angle, leading to acute angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible individuals. Always discuss potential risks with your doctor, especially if you have narrow angles or glaucoma.
 

What aggravates glaucoma?

Glaucoma worsens with factors like uncontrolled high eye pressure (IOP), poor blood flow (due to high/low blood pressure or atherosclerosis), certain medications (steroids, some antihistamines/decongestants), excessive caffeine/alcohol, smoking, high salt/saturated/trans fats in diet, stress, intense activities (weightlifting, yoga inversions, bungee jumping), and untreated food allergies, all impacting optic nerve health or fluid drainage.
 

What vitamin fights glaucoma?

Nicotinamide/Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) has recently shown significant potential as a novel treatment for glaucoma. It was postulated as a neuroprotective agent for glaucoma in 2017 by Williams and colleagues.

How to get vision back from glaucoma?

But treatment and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially if the disease is found in its early stages. Treatment of glaucoma aims to lower intraocular pressure. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medicines, laser treatment, surgery or a combination of approaches.

What is the best sleeping position for glaucoma?

If you've been diagnosed with glaucoma, then your ophthalmologist might make the following suggestions: Sleeping in an upright position: Because it's known that IOP rises when you're horizontal, sleeping more upright may help reduce this.

What is the best exercise for glaucoma patients?

The best exercises for glaucoma patients are low-impact aerobic activities like walking, swimming, and cycling, which improve blood flow to the optic nerve, along with gentle yoga (avoiding inversions) and light strength training, always focusing on steady breathing and avoiding straining or holding your breath. Starting exercise, especially for sedentary individuals, offers significant benefits, but consulting your doctor is crucial to tailor a routine that safely manages intraocular pressure (IOP).
 

How to increase oxygen to eyes?

To increase oxygen to your eyes, exercise regularly for better circulation, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins (A, C) and omega-3s, quit smoking, practice the 20/20/20 rule for digital eye strain, and if you wear contacts, ensure they are high-oxygen permeable (silicone hydrogel) and don't overwear them to allow your eyes to breathe.
 

What can I take for allergies if I have glaucoma?

If the patient already has cataract or glaucoma and requires allergy medications, he will try other classes of drugs including leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as Singulair (montelukast sodium, Merck, Whitehouse Station, N.J.), or topical and systemic antihistamines.

Which is better for dry eyes, Systane or Refresh?

Neither Systane nor Refresh is universally "better" for dry eyes; the best choice depends on your specific symptoms, as both brands offer various formulas (e.g., for watery deficiency, lipid layer issues, sensitivity) like Systane Ultra for fast relief, Systane Complete for all layers, Refresh Optive for gentle hydration, and Refresh Celluvisc (gel) for severe dryness, with preservative-free options available for frequent use or sensitive eyes. Some studies suggest Systane might improve some measures more than Refresh, while others find no significant difference in certain outcomes, highlighting the need for personalized treatment. 

Is there Benadryl for eyes?

If you're looking for a way to treat itchy, watery eyes from allergies along with other allergy symptoms, BENADRYL® has products to help. BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS® and BENADRYL® Allergy Dye-Free LIQUI-GELS® fight histamine to offer eye allergy relief.