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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Corneal Sensitivity Testing Procedure for Ophthalmologic and Optometric Patients
Published on: August 2, 2024
Corneal toxicity from topical ocular and systemic medications
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-4197, USA. eyedrug@ohsu.edu
Purpose:
To review what is known about the adverse effects on the cornea from various classes of medications. New data from previously unreported cases of drug-related corneal toxicity are included.
Methods:
Data are garnered from a Medline literature review and from case reports collected by the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects.
Results:
Aminoglycosides, bisphosphonates, chemotherapeutic medications, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, fluoroquinolones, glaucoma eye drops, topical iodine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops, preservatives in eye drops, retinoids, topical anesthetics, topical steroids, and some herbal medications can cause corneal toxicity in some patients.
Conclusion:
Ophthalmologists need to be aware of potential corneal toxicities that can arise from commonly prescribed medications.
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