Why Did I Feel Dizzy After Using Eye Drops at Night?

After using two types of eye drops, I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and felt unsteady while walking?

Hello Doctor: I previously visited an ophthalmology clinic in Taipei (before college, I received treatment at a clinic in Changhua).
The doctor diagnosed me with dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis, and prescribed FML (a non-branded medication that only lists the ingredients without mentioning side effects) and "Jingde" eye drops.
One night, after using the drops at 8 PM, I felt dizzy while walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night and needed to hold onto the wall for support.
However, after that incident, I used both eye drops again without experiencing similar symptoms.
What could be the reason for this?

Kai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/06/22

Dr. Zhuang Yamin reply Ophthalmology

Dear "Kai,"
Regarding the two types of eye drops you mentioned, they are generally considered mild maintenance solutions.
Clinically, there have been no reports of them causing gait instability as a side effect.
Additionally, since you have not experienced this phenomenon again, it seems that the dizziness you experienced that night is likely unrelated to the eye drops.
If this issue occurs again, it is probably not due to the eye drops.
Please remain vigilant for any other related symptoms, and seek medical attention at the appropriate facility if necessary.
Wishing you good health!
Sincerely,
Changhua Hospital

Reply Date: 2012/06/22

More Info

Feeling dizzy after using eye drops can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential reasons behind this experience. Based on your description, there are several factors that could contribute to the dizziness you felt after using the eye drops.

1. Medication Side Effects: Eye drops, especially those containing corticosteroids like FML (fluorometholone), can have systemic side effects, although they are generally localized treatments. In some cases, if the drops are absorbed into the bloodstream, they can cause side effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness. However, this is relatively uncommon with topical eye medications.

2. Allergic Reactions: Since you mentioned having allergic conjunctivitis, it's possible that your body could have reacted to one of the ingredients in the eye drops. Allergic reactions can sometimes manifest as dizziness, especially if they lead to systemic symptoms.

3. Changes in Vision: After applying eye drops, especially if they affect the tear film or the surface of the eye, you might experience temporary changes in vision. If your vision becomes blurry or distorted, this can lead to a sensation of dizziness or imbalance, particularly if you are moving around shortly after application.

4. Environmental Factors: If you used the eye drops in a dimly lit environment or if you were already feeling fatigued or unwell, this could exacerbate feelings of dizziness. Additionally, if you were dehydrated or had not eaten properly, these factors could contribute to dizziness as well.

5. Postural Changes: If you applied the eye drops and then quickly stood up or moved around, the sudden change in position could lead to a brief episode of dizziness, especially if your blood pressure dropped momentarily.

6. Underlying Conditions: Given your history of dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis, it's also worth considering that other underlying conditions could contribute to dizziness. For instance, if you have any vestibular issues or migraines, these could be triggered by various factors, including medication use.

Since you mentioned that you did not experience dizziness after subsequent applications of the eye drops, it may have been an isolated incident. However, if you continue to experience dizziness or if it occurs again after using the eye drops, it would be prudent to consult with your eye care provider or a healthcare professional. They can review your symptoms in detail, assess your overall health, and determine if any further investigation or a change in medication is necessary.

In summary, while dizziness after using eye drops can occur, it is typically not a common side effect. It may be related to the specific medication, an allergic reaction, changes in vision, environmental factors, or other underlying health issues. Monitoring your symptoms and discussing them with a healthcare professional will help ensure that you receive appropriate care and guidance.

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