Riboflavin Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 9, 2024.

Applies to riboflavin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, riboflavin ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking riboflavin ophthalmic:

More common side effects

• blindness
• blurred vision
• change in color vision
• decreased vision
• difficulty seeing at night
• eye pain, irritation or redness, or inflammation
• feeling of having something in the eye
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
• painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye

Less common side effects

• drainage from the eyes
• eye discomfort
• seeing flashes or sparks of light
• seeing floating spots before the eyes, or a veil or curtain appearing across part of vision
• sensitivity of the eyes to light

Other side effects

Some side effects of riboflavin ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• dry eyes
• headache

Less common side effects

• double vision
• redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelid
• seeing double
• watering of the eyes

For healthcare professionals

Applies to riboflavin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects include corneal opacity, punctate keratitis, corneal striae and corneal epithelium defect.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Corneal opacity/haze (up to 71%), corneal epithelium defect (up to 28%), eye pain (up to 26%), punctate keratitis (up to 25%), corneal striae (up to 24%), photophobia (up to 19%), blurred vision (up to 17%), foreign body sensation in eyes (up to 15%), dry eye (up to 14%), ocular hyperemia (up to 14%), reduced visual acuity (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anterior chamber cell, anterior chamber flare, corneal disorder, asthenopia, corneal edema, diplopia, eye discharge, eye edema, eye pruritus, eyelid edema, glare, halo vision, keratitis, increased lacrimation, Meibomian gland dysfunction, ocular discomfort, visual impairment, vitreous detachment
• Frequency not reported: Blepharitis, corneal thinning^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Eye complication associated with device^[Ref]

Further information

Riboflavin ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer