Abstract

Aim: To investigate association of drug use and visual function.

Methods: A cross sectional population based study was carried out on participants in the 1993–5 examination phase of the Beaver Dam Eye Study. All drugs in current use by study participants were recorded. Performance based and self assessed visual functions were obtained at the time of the study evaluation. The main outcome measure was the relation of levels of visual functions by use of specific drugs.

Results: Many classes of drugs were associated with decreases in at least two performance based visual functions. For example, high blood pressure drugs were significantly associated with poorer best corrected visual acuity, poorer near vision, and poorer contrast sensitivity (p<0.001 for all). Patterns of association for self assessed visual functions were not as strong. However, use of glaucoma drops and benzodiazepines were associated with poorer self assessed visual functions in most circumstances cited.

Conclusions: Many commonly used medications are inversely associated with visual functions in a middle and older aged population. This may influence the ability to perform complex tasks and quality of life.