Last weekend, I attended the Personal Eyes Ophthalmologists conference here in Sydney. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a few of the ideas and insights that stayed with me — not just what’s new, but what’s important for patients to understand when it comes to protecting their vision.

What stood out straight away was how often everyday medications come up in conversations about eye health.

Not because they’re a problem.
But because they’re easy to overlook.

Many of us take prescription medications for broader health conditions — and in most cases, they’re essential. But some can have subtle effects on the eyes over time. Not for everyone, and not always noticeably, but enough that it’s worth paying attention.

Medications to be aware of

• Plaquenil — often used for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Corticosteroids — found in inhalers, creams, and tablets for inflammation
• Xalatan — for glaucoma
• Tamoxifen — used after breast cancer treatment
• Topamax — for migraines and epilepsy
• Chlorpromazine — used in mental health care
• Ethambutol — for tuberculosis
• GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic) — for diabetes and weight management
• Amiodarone — for heart rhythm conditions

The point isn’t to cause concern.

It’s simply this: your eyes are part of the bigger picture of your health.

And sometimes the smallest details, like a medication you’ve been on for years, are the ones worth checking in on.

If you’re taking any of these, or even if you’re not sure, it’s a good reminder to keep your eye health monitored and bring a list of medications to your next appointment.

Because good vision isn’t just about what you see day to day — it’s about what’s happening quietly over time.