Every drug carries the possibility of side effects.  Certain medications can affect the eye and therefore one should be aware of these effects when taking such a medication.

Atrial Fibrillation

Amiodorone (Cordorone, Pacerone) is one of the most effective antiarrythmic drugs available.

There is a possibility that the optic nerve can be damaged from this drug. 
This has never been proven but if you are taking the drug and have vision loss you need to see your cardiologist and ophthalmologist for an evaluation.

This drug is also known to cause deposits on the cornea but this does not cause vision loss and fades after stopping this medication.

Breast Cancer

Impaired visual acuity, ocular irritation and cataracts are the most common noted side effects.  The greatest incidence of side effects is seen among women who received chemotherapy plus Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) or Toremifone (Fareston).  These are both selective estrogen modulators (SERMS).

These drugs can cause vision loss by damaging the retina.  Stopping theses drugs can prevent further deterioration but full recovery may not occur.  Roloxifene (Evista) seems less likely to cause these side effects.

Erectile Dysfunction

Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra have been implicated in the development of optic nerve damage.

The FDA has recognized that men should stop the medicatioin in the event of a sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. 

At the time of the warning, the FDA had received 43 reports of optic nerve damage.  There were 23 million users of Viagra alone.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Flomax can cause a floppy iris during cataract surgery.  This makes surgery more difficulty but when anticipated, can be successfully managed.

Asthma, Allergies, Eczema

Predinose has many serious side effects when taken long term.  The eye can be affected.  Cataracts and glaucoma are known to occur.  The incidence increases with dose and duration.  If these medications need to be taken, the dose should be as low as possible and the duration as brief as possible.

Arthritis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chloroquinine has been long used for the prevention and treatment of Malaria.  It is mildly immuno-supressive and is used in some autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.  This drug can cause retinal damage.  The incidence is low – one in a thousand.  If you are taking this drug you should have your eyes checked twice yearly.  Retinal damage is usually halted and reversed with the drug is stopped.