What Causes Blurred Vision After Using Neomycin-polymyxin-HC Ear Drops?

Posted on Thu, 29 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My PCP prescribed Neomycin-Polymyxin-HC ear drops for an ear infection. After the second day of using the ear drops, I started having blurred vision. I am 60 years old and have cataracts. Was diagnosed with cataracts about 5 years ago.

Can these ear drops worsen cataracts and should I stop using the ear drops? The RX information said not to use for longer than 10 days and not to get in the eyes.

Thanks,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can use the ear drop as advised by your doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care Magic.

I am Dr. Dadapeer K an ophthalmologist and I will be answering your question.

I reviewed your history.
Neomycin-polymyxin-HC ear drops is an antibiotic and steroid ear drop used to treat infections and inflammations of the ear.
HC- hydrocortisone, is a steroid and steroids are known to worsen the cataract when used in the form of topical eye drops or oral tablets or injections.
However when used in the form of ear drop this side effect is very rare.

Blurring of vision can be coincidental finding and it is probably not related to the use of Neomycin-polymyxin-HC ear drops. This can be caused by cataract.

Hence you can use this ear drops as advised by your doctor for 7-10 days.

Hope this is helpful to you.

Thank you
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar