Do Decongestants Cause Dry Eye?
Yes, decongestants can cause dry eye. While decongestants are great for unclogging your sinuses, they can also dry out your eyes in the process.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, oral decongestants reduce tear secretion and can lead to temporary or even persistent dry eye symptoms, especially in frequent users or those with underlying dry eye disease [1].
How Do Decongestants Cause Dry Eye?
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (in many cold medicines) work by constricting blood vessels. That’s great for reducing nasal swelling, but it also means less moisture and nutrient flow to the surface of the eye.
Here's what happens:
- Reduced tear production from decreased gland activity
- Drying of mucous membranes including your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Lower blinking rate due to fatigue or sinus pressure (worsening evaporation)
This combination leads to a thinner tear film, poor lubrication, and irritation, classic signs of dry eye.
Common Symptoms of Decongestant-Induced Dry Eye
People who take decongestants during cold or allergy season often experience:
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Redness or blurry vision
- Dry, itchy feeling
- Grittiness or the sense that something’s in your eye
- Watery eyes (a paradoxical symptom due to irritation)
What Decongestants Are Most Likely to Cause Dry Eye?
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – Common in sinus and cold meds
- Phenylephrine – Found in decongestants like DayQuil, Theraflu
- Nasal sprays with oxymetazoline (Afrin) – May contribute to rebound effects and dryness if overused
These ingredients are often combined with antihistamines in cold/allergy products, doubling the drying effect.
Solutions: How to Treat Dry Eye from Decongestants
Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose between breathing clearly and seeing comfortably. Here’s how to combat dryness while using decongestants:
1. Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears
- A gentle, daily-use eye drop like Preservative-Free Eye Drops is your best first step.
- Mimics your natural tear film
- No preservatives = less irritation
- Safe for use 4–6x daily
- Individually packaged for maximum hygiene
Pro Tip: Use one vial in the morning and one at night during your cold/allergy med cycle.
2. Practice Eyelid Hygiene Daily
Dry eyes can worsen when the eyelids become inflamed or clogged (blepharitis). A clean lid margin = better oil secretion and more stable tears.
Use Peeq Pro Foaming Eyelid and Facial Cleanser to:
- Remove allergens, oil, and debris
- Kill mites that live on your lids
- Support healthy tear production
3. Stay Hydrated & Take Eye Breaks
Decongestants dry you from the inside out. Offset it by drinking extra water and following the 20-20-20 rule when on screens (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
Adding a humidifier can also boost ambient moisture.
Expert Quote
“Cold and allergy meds often help your nose but hurt your eyes. Dryness is a common but under-recognized side effect, especially with decongestants.”
— Dr. Cheryl Chapman, OD | Dry Eye Expert and Peeq Pro Partner
FAQs
Q: Do nasal sprays cause dry eye too?
A: Yes, nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin (oxymetazoline) can cause rebound dryness and reduce tear secretion if overused.
Q: Can I still use decongestants if I have dry eye?
A: Yes, but be proactive. Use preservative-free drops and clean your eyelids daily to support your tear film.
Q: Is dry eye from decongestants permanent?
A: Usually not. With proper treatment and hydration, most symptoms resolve after medication use stops.
Final Takeaway
Yes, decongestants can cause dry eye, but you don’t need to suffer through it.
By combining:
- Hydrating artificial tears like Refresh Optive Mega-3 eye drops
- Daily lid care with Peeq Pro's Foaming Eyelid and Facial Cleanser
- And smart habits like hydration and screen breaks...
1 — American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2022). Cold Medications Can Dry Out Your Eyes. aao.org
2 — Craig, J. P. et al. (2017). TFOS DEWS II Tear Film Report. The Ocular Surface, 15(3), 366–403.