Why Lexapro Can Cause Dry Eyes (and What to Do)

Why Lexapro Can Cause Dry Eyes (and What to Do)

This blog was medically reviewed.

If you’re taking Lexapro (escitalopram) and have started noticing burning, stinging, redness, or a gritty sensation in your eyes, you are not alone. Dry eyes are a common side effect of SSRIs like Lexapro, and understanding why this happens can help you take steps to protect your eye comfort.

How Lexapro Can Lead to Dry Eyes

Lexapro works by adjusting serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood. But serotonin also affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls tear production. Reduced tear production and changes in eyelid oil gland function can make your tears evaporate faster, leading to dry, irritated eyes.

You may notice symptoms like:

  • Burning or stinging

  • Grittiness or a sandy feeling

  • Redness

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Light sensitivity

  • Tearing (a reflex response to dryness)

These can worsen with screen time, reading, or dry indoor air.

7-Day Plan to Support Eye Comfort While on Lexapro

You don’t have to choose between mental health and eye comfort. Here’s a simple, actionable plan you can follow for one week to help relieve dry eye symptoms.

Day 1–7: Daily Hydration

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day (aim for at least 8 cups)

  • Limit dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol

  • Stay mindful of your overall fluid intake to support tear production

Day 1–7: Blink Breaks

  • Every 20–30 minutes of screen time, look away from your device for 20 seconds

  • Consciously blink 10–15 times to fully coat the eyes with tears

  • This helps reduce evaporation and fatigue

Day 1–7: Eyelid Hygiene

  • Use a gentle eyelid cleanser with  tea tree, okra, or hypochlorous acid

  • Apply a small amount to fingertips and rub along the lid and lash line for 30 seconds

  • Rinse gently with warm water

  • Remove eye makeup completely every night; avoid harsh makeup removers or scrubbing

  • Consistency is key; daily cleansing supports healthy tear film and reduces irritation

Optional: Lubricating Drops (Use Sparingly)

Optional: Warm Compresses

  • Apply a warm compress to the eyelids for 5–10 minutes once daily

  • Helps unblock oil glands and reduce evaporation

Environment Adjustments

  • Use a humidifier indoors

  • Reduce exposure to fans or dry heating

  • Take regular breaks outdoors for natural eye moisture

Get Peeqing!

For extra support, try our Peeq Pro Foaming Eyelid & Facial Cleanser with soothing, non-irritating ingredients that can help manage inflammation and maintain healthy oil gland function. Paired with preservative-free artificial tears and warm compresses, they make an easy, repeatable routine to protect eye comfort while on Lexapro.

Featured Questions About Lexapro and Dry Eyes

Q: Can Lexapro cause dry eyes? A: Yes. SSRIs like Lexapro can reduce tear production and affect eyelid oil glands, causing dryness and irritation.

Q: How soon after starting Lexapro do dry eyes appear? A: Symptoms can show up within weeks, but sometimes develop gradually over months.

Q: How can I manage dry eyes while staying on Lexapro? A: Daily eyelid hygiene, hydration, blink breaks, and sparing use of preservative-free artificial tears help protect eye comfort.

Q: When should I see my doctor? A: If dryness lasts more than a week, affects vision, or over-the-counter measures aren’t enough, contact your eye doctor or prescriber.

 

Back to blog