How dupilumab may affect your eyes
Dupilumab is an effective treatment for severe asthma, but it has been linked to side effects of the eyes in some people. Most of the side effects are mild, but some can become serious if they are not managed properly.
Mild side effects which you can often manage yourself:
- Dry eyes: dryness, burning, or grittiness in the eyes.
- Conjunctivitis: red, itchy, watery eyes with possible discharge.
Uncommon side effects which require advice from a healthcare professional:
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation): redness and swelling around the eyelids, often with crusting.
- Keratitis (corneal inflammation): eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or feeling like something is in your eye.
Managing mild eye side effects
If you have eye symptoms while on dupilumab, try these steps:
- Use artificial tears: over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (for example sodium hyaluronate) can help with dryness and irritation. Use preservative-free drops if needed. Speak to your community pharmacist for advice on eye drops.
- Warm compresses: apply a warm, moist compress to your eyelids for a few minutes to relieve discomfort.
- Maintain eye hygiene: clean your eyelids daily with a warm cloth or mild eyelid scrub.
- Limit contact lens use: wear glasses more often than contact lenses if you have symptoms of conjunctivitis or dry eyes.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes: this can make symptoms worse and cause infections.
- Protect your eyes from irritants: avoid smoke, dust, and strong wind. Sunglasses can help.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Phone the Severe Asthma team on 0117 414 2030 if you have:
- Eye discomfort that won’t go away or is getting worse.
- Vision changes, like blurred vision or light sensitivity.
- Severe redness or swelling of the eyes.
- Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments.
When to go to A&E at the Bristol Eye Hospital
If you have any of the following eye symptoms go to Bristol Eye Hospital A&E for urgent care.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Significant pain.
- Sudden changes in vision.
- Severe itching.
Please inform the Severe Asthma team if you have gone to the eye hospital A&E when possible. Contact us on 0117 414 2030.
Eye care tips while on dupilumab
- Regular eye exams: schedule eye exams to detect changes early.
- Report new symptoms: inform the severe asthma team about any new or worsening symptoms.
- Follow treatment instructions: stick to your treatment plan to minimise side effects and get the full benefit of dupilumab.
Summary
Eye issues can be a side effect of dupilumab but can often be managed with the right steps. Knowing the symptoms, how to manage them, and when to seek help will help you continue to benefit from dupilumab while protecting your eye health.
For any concerns or questions, contact the severe asthma team on 0117 414 2030.
© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published December 2024. Review due December 2027. NBT003755
