Tobradex is an ophthalmic (eye) medication made by Alcon Laboratories. Tobradex is the brand name of the combination of the drugs tobramycin and dexamethasone. Tobramycin is an antibiotic and dexamethasone is a steroid; together the two medications are used to treat bacterial eye infections. Tobradex is available as both an eye drop and an ointment. As the eye drop form of the medication eliminates the unhealthy bacteria in the eye, it may also produce some unpleasant side effects.
Eye Discomfort
The manufacturer of Tobradex eye drops, Alcon Labs, reports that one of the most common side effects associated with the ophthalmic medication is eye discomfort. Stinging or burning of the eye and itchy eyelids may all be uncomfortable sensations that can occur while using Tobradex. Your eyelids may also swell. Patients who cannot tolerate these symptoms should discuss the matter with their doctor.
Vision Changes
Vision can be temporarily affected when using Tobradex to treat eye infections. Vision may become blurry, and may require a temporary restriction on driving and other activities that can be dangerous to participate in with compromised vision. If you're using Tobradex eye drops you may experience a heightened sensitivity to light, a condition you can remedy by wearing sunglasses. Have your doctor check any changes in vision that persist.
Secondary Eye Diseases
Alcon Labs notes that secondary, fungal infections may be a side effect associated with long-term use of ophthalmic steroid medications such as Tobradex. Fungal infections of this kind are likely to affect the cornea. Other eye complications that may develop after long-term steroid use include increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts. Increased eye pressure can lead to glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness. Any of these eye diseases could lead to loss of vision if not treated.
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