Can Anti histamines affect eye pressure?

[JustAmanda]

I have ocular hypertension and keep being told that my DVLA field vision tests are inconclusive. As I feel I can see really well, I’m wondering if my antihistamine tablets are affecting my performance.

I’ve just googled this:

Medications and Glaucoma:Over the counter medicines such as decongestants and antihistamines can dilate the pupil and lead to dangerously elevated eye pressure.

Does anyone know whether they’re performance in tests might be affected by antihistamines, please?

I have another test tomorrow but the oil seed tape is playing havoc with my hay fever.

[Toby_from_London]

Hi Amanda,

I have glaucoma and my chemist advised not to take antihistamines.

Although different brands have different active ingredient's, he said it's best to avoid them all together if you can.

Take care.

[JustAmanda in reply to Toby_from_London]

Thank you.

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi JustAmanda. The antihistamines shouldn't be a problem, when doing the visual field test.

If you have narrow angles or primary angle closure glaucoma, this can sometimes cause your eye pressure to increase. It is unlikely you have these two things as you have ocular hypertension.

[JustAmanda in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you. That’s helpful to know.

[frankthebank]

Hi, that seems really confusing, if you can see really well, how can your tests be inconclusive; that seems like a contradiction. What going wrong?, because Eye pressure wouldn't effect the test, unless you had damage and couldn't see well.

[JustAmanda in reply to frankthebank]

Just had my third test. The assistant was most helpful and, unlike my two previous visits to a different SpecSavers, actually centralised and adjusted the chin rest. I’m now wondering whether my two previous unsuccessful attempts were the result of doing a bilateral test from a left position chin rest, (without adjustment). I guess I will only know if this result is positive. I’m assuming it was satisfactory because she only did the one test, but now I continue to wait with a degree of apprehension.

Having spent many years in management at Social Services, where dignity and respect were core values, I find the unfriendly and bureaucratic way in which the DVLA seems to work, not acceptable in 2023. When dealing with medical applications they need to be more person-centred and helpful.

[JustAmanda]

I’m confused too!

I actually see two centre dots, which you’re not supposed to, and I have never had double vision - it’s just that single light I see two of. I’m not failing as such, though I guess I could be. The results are just inconclusive - which is frustrating given that I should have been given 3 opportunities each visit.

I’m having another test today and have chosen a Specsavers with a Henson machine. For some reason, things don’t go right for me on the Humphrey.

The problem is I’m now so anxious that I will either over-click or be too scared to click! Frustratingly, I don’t think I ever needed to declare ocular hypertension when simply changing my address. But once one does, you simply cannot get off the treadmill!