Antidepressants and ocular health: Addressing dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common and multifactorial eye disease that can lead to visual disturbance if left untreated. DES arises from various factors such as reduced tear production and inflammation, affects the quality of vision, and can potentially lead to other eye diseases such as pterygium, pseudo pterygium, conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcers, and corneal dystrophy. Notably, there is an intriguing link between DES and depression, a commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder characterized by decreased levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Antidepressants prescribed to treat depression work by increasing serotonin levels but paradoxically can lead to DES and other ocular side effects. In particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to contribute to DES development. This article unveils the factors that trigger DES and sheds light on the interconnected casual web. By explaining the intricacies of DES, this article aims to provide physicians and patients with a deeper understanding of the condition, enabling better management and treatment outcomes.