Acne Awareness Month: Understanding the Link Between Roaccutane and Dry Eye

Michéal O'Rourke

Jun 5

3 min read

Each year, Acne Awareness Month highlights the impact that acne can have on physical and emotional wellbeing. For many people with severe or persistent acne, Roaccutane (isotretinoin) can be a life-changing treatment, often providing long-lasting improvement when other therapies have not been successful.

While Roaccutane is highly effective, it is also well known for causing dryness throughout the body, including the eyes. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help you stay comfortable while completing your treatment.

Why Does Roaccutane Cause Dry Eyes?

Roaccutane works by reducing the activity of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in the skin. This helps control acne by decreasing oil production and reducing inflammation.

However, similar oil-producing glands, known as the meibomian glands, are found along the edges of the eyelids. These glands produce the oily layer of the tear film, which helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

When Roaccutane reduces the function of these glands, the tear film becomes less stable. Tears evaporate more rapidly, increasing the risk of dry eye disease.

Common Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can develop within weeks of starting Roaccutane and may vary from mild to more troublesome.

You may notice:

Dryness or grittiness
Burning or stinging eyes
Redness
Blurred vision that improves after blinking
Sensitivity to light
Watery eyes (a common response to dryness)
Discomfort when wearing contact lenses

Some people who have never experienced dry eyes before develop symptoms during treatment, while those with existing dry eye disease may notice their symptoms become more pronounced.

Who Is More Likely to Be Affected?

Although anyone taking Roaccutane can develop dry eyes, the risk may be higher if you:

Already have dry eye disease.
Wear contact lenses regularly.
Spend long hours using digital screens.
Have previously had laser vision correction.
Have eyelid conditions such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction.

Looking After Your Eyes During Treatment

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce discomfort while taking Roaccutane.

Simple measures include:

Using preservative-free lubricating eye drops as recommended by your eye care professional.
Following the 20-20-20 rule when using digital screens.
Blinking regularly, particularly during prolonged screen use.
Staying well hydrated.
Limiting exposure to dry or air-conditioned environments where possible.
Taking regular breaks from contact lenses if they become uncomfortable.

If you wear contact lenses and find them increasingly difficult to tolerate, switching to glasses for part of the day may help while your eyes recover.

When Should You Seek Specialist Advice?

Mild dryness is common, but you should seek assessment if:

Your symptoms become severe or persistent.
Lubricating drops are no longer providing relief.
Your vision remains blurred.
You experience significant pain or sensitivity to light.
You are struggling to wear contact lenses because of discomfort.

As an oculoplastic surgeon, I frequently assess patients with dry eye disease and disorders affecting the eyelids and tear film. Careful examination can identify whether your symptoms are simply related to Roaccutane or whether another underlying condition is contributing.

Treatment can then be tailored to improve comfort while allowing you to continue your acne treatment whenever possible.

Will My Eyes Return to Normal?

For most people, dry eye symptoms improve after Roaccutane treatment is completed as the meibomian glands gradually recover.

However, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms, particularly if they had underlying dry eye disease before starting treatment or if significant gland dysfunction develops. Early management and regular review can help minimise long-term problems.

A Final Thought

Roaccutane remains one of the most effective treatments available for severe acne, and for many patients its benefits far outweigh the temporary side effects.

Being aware of the link between Roaccutane and dry eyes means you can recognise symptoms early and take simple steps to protect your eye comfort throughout treatment.

If you develop persistent dryness, irritation or changes in your vision while taking Roaccutane, don't ignore them. Seeking specialist advice early can help keep your eyes healthy while you continue your journey towards clearer skin.