Lamotrigine and Eye Health: Quick Guide

If you’re taking lamotrigine for seizures or mood stabilization, you might wonder whether the drug can mess with your eyes. The short answer: it can, but the risk is low and usually manageable. Knowing the signs early helps you keep your vision sharp without stopping a medication that works for you.

Common Eye‑Related Side Effects

Most people on lamotrigine notice nothing unusual, but a small percentage report visual disturbances. These can include blurred vision, double vision, or a grainy feeling in the eyes. Some users also feel light sensitivity or see flashes of light during a migraine‑like episode.

Rarely, lamotrigine has been linked to more serious issues like optic neuritis – inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause sudden vision loss. If you experience a rapid drop in visual clarity, color changes, or pain when moving your eyes, seek medical help right away.

Another occasional complaint is dry eye. The medication can reduce tear production, leaving your eyes feeling gritty. Using over‑the‑counter lubricating drops can relieve the discomfort.

How to Keep Your Vision Safe

First, never skip your regular eye exams. An optometrist can catch early changes that you might miss at home. Let them know you’re on lamotrigine so they can focus on the right tests.

Second, track any visual changes in a simple diary. Note the date, what you were doing, and how long the symptom lasted. This record helps your doctor decide whether the drug needs a dosage tweak.

Third, protect your eyes from bright light. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection outdoors reduces strain, especially if you’re sensitive to glare.

If dry eye becomes a daily nuisance, make a habit of blinking fully every few minutes while using screens. A humidifier in your bedroom can also help keep the air from drying out your eyes overnight.

Finally, never change your lamotrigine dose on your own. Most eye‑related side effects improve when the dose is adjusted slowly under a doctor’s guidance. If your doctor suggests a switch to another medication, they’ll weigh the benefits for seizure control against the eye risk.

Bottom line: lamotrigine can affect vision, but serious problems are rare. Regular eye checks, quick reporting of new symptoms, and simple protective habits let you stay on the medication safely while keeping your eyes healthy.