What Are the Ocular Side Effects of ACCUTANE Use?

ACCUTANE  (isotretinoin) can transform acne care, but your eyes can feel the impact. Let’s break down the most common ocular side effects so you know what to expect and how to manage each one.

Dry Eyes

ACCUTANE reduces lipid (oil) production in your meibomian glands. A comfortable, useful tear film relies on a healthy lipid layer. That thinner oil layer lets tears evaporate faster, leading to DRY EYES. You may notice burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation. This type of DRY EYE is referred to EVAPORATIVE DRY EYE. Adding eye drops such as Refresh Optive MEGA-3 Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative-Free Artificial Tears can help. 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

With less oil available, gland ducts can clog. Over time, this contributes to MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION. You’ll feel more irritation and may see unstable vision. Once the clogging starts, you want to pay attention because chalazia and styes are likely around the corner. Manage with MGD Cleansing System to keep glands from staying clogged. 

Chalazion Formation

When meibomian gland blockages persist, they can evolve into a chronic bump known as a CHALAZION. These lesions develop deeper in the gland and appear as ugly bumps on the eyelid. Not fun! Properly clean and drain with MGD Cleansing System and also find a DRY EYE SPECIALIST to see if energy device like IPL, RF, and MGE are right for you. 

• • IPL: Intense Pulsed Light
  • RF: Radio Frequency
  • MGE: Meibomain Gland Extraction

Styes

Add some bacteria and now you have a superficial gland infection present as a tender red lump or STYE (hordeolum). They sit at the base of your lashes. Clean a stye with confidence with STYE Cleansing System. In addition, topical and/or oral antibiotics are commonly needed to help the eye heal.

Clogged Oil Glands

Overall, ACCUTANE predisposes you to CLOGGED OIL GLANDS. That term covers any obstruction in your eyelid oil channels. Consistent at‑home care paired with periodic in‑office energy treatments or extractions prevents buildup and supports gland health.

Hi, I’m Dr. Tanya Gill, optometrist and founder of We Love Eyes. I started We Love Eyes in 2014 while trying to help one of my (stubborn) patients with contact lens discomfort. In 2016, I had 3 products. Fast forward to today - We Love Eyes has almost 30 SKUs. It’s been an amazing journey. Explore my life’s work at weloveeyes.com. Check out my content on TIKTOK. See the profile page and see the playlists: MGD, STYE, DRY EYES . xo

• Find a Dry Eye Specialist Optometrist here
• Read my other blogs about ACCUTANE here

• ACCUTANE eye side effects

• ACCUTANE dry eyes

• meibomian gland dysfunction ACCUTANE

• ACCUTANE chalazion risk

• styes from ACCUTANE

• clogged oil glands treatment

• eyelid hygiene on ACCUTANE

• warm compress routine

• We Love Eyes ACCUTANE care

• Dr. Tanya Gill ocular health