A Neurologist Reveals 5 Supplements And Medications That Can ‘Cause Blindness’: Licorice Root, More

Wearing sunglasses or limiting screen time isn’t the only measure you should take to protect your vision. As it turns out, what you put into your body can be just as important—and in fact, you may want to take a second look at your medicine cabinet and supplement collection. According to neurologist, physician-scientist, and epidemiologist Dr. Bing, MD, MPH (@doctor.bing), certain supplements and prescription medications—though rare—can cause serious, sometimes irreversible eye damage.

“These are rare,” Dr. Bing explains in a TikTok, “but I always make sure that my patients know the risks before taking them.” While most people tolerate these substances safely, it’s important to understand how they might affect the delicate structures of your eyes. From acne medications to herbal teas, here are the five supplements and medications Dr. Bing warns could potentially lead to blindness if not used properly.

Isotretinoin (commonly known by the brand name Accutane) is a medication used to treat severe acne. But it can increase pressure inside the skull—a condition called pseudotumor cerebri—which may compress the optic nerve. “It’s rare but serious and can cause permanent vision loss if not caught early,” Dr. Bing says. Regular eye exams and prompt attention to headaches or vision changes are key for those taking this medication.