Some patients took isotretinoin years ago as teenagers, and it left a lasting impact on the meibomian glands.
#Retin a on eyes skin#
In my experience, the longer the patient has used isotretinoin, the more likely it is that some glands are lost.įigure 1 shows meibography images of a 27-year-old female patient with dry eye disease (DED) before and after receiving in-office dry eye treatments.Ī thorough history asking about medications is important, as our practice often sees patients of all ages that were prescribed isotretinoin (due to various skin problems). When I express their glands, the meibum is often thick, toothpaste-like and opaque. Meibography shows that the glands of these patients have been clogged or atrophied. My patients who are taking isotretinoin or have used it in the past present with typical signs and symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): intolerable evaporative dry eye, keratitis, low tear breakup time (TBUT), fluctuating vision, grittiness, foreign body sensation, styes, and contact lens discomfort. Unfortunately, because the meibomian glands are sebaceous, oil-producing glands, this systemic medication shrinks them as well. It works by shrinking the sebaceous glands, which significantly lowers production of oils in the skin and reduces acne. Reddy’s Laboratories)- are oral retinoids prescribed on-label for severe nodular acne and off- label for a plethora of skin problems, including rosacea. Isotretinoin medications- such as Accutane (Roche), Absorica (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd), Claravis (Barr Laboratories), Myorisan (Akorn), Zenatane (Dr. Here, I’ll share the complications seen from prescription treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) products, and how today’s in-office procedures are helping my patients have clear skin and comfortable eyes. After all, acne medications need to reduce oil and dry up blemishes-2 goals at odds with the production of healthy, functioning tear film. However, as a medical optometrist, I see the effects of acne treatments on the meibomian glands and the ocular surface. As someone who had acne as a teenager, I’m happy there are now many therapies available to help patients achieve clearer skin.
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