Medications (restasis/xiidra) for dry eye

Explore effective dry eye treatments, Restasis & Xiidra, their strengths & key info. Read on to discover more.

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Medications (restasis/xiidra) for dry eye in PRIMARYCITY

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Restasis vs. Xiidra: What is the Difference?

Restasis: A Longstanding Solution

Restasis, produced by Allergan and also referred to by its generic name, cyclosporine, is a widely prescribed medication for dry eye.

How Restasis Works

This eye care product was approved by the FDA back in 1983. Its mode of operation is centered on controlling the inflammatory processes in the eyes. Inflammation can hinder tear production, leading to the discomfort of dry eyes.

Using Restasis

Eye care professionals typically advise using Restasis twice a day, approximately every 12 hours. However, patience is key when using this medication, as it can take up to three months to see symptom relief. In some instances, patients may need to wait as long as six months to fully benefit.

Xiidra: A Recent Addition

Xiidra, or by its generic name, lifitegrast, is another noteworthy medication that's been assisting individuals suffering from dry eye.

How Xiidra Works

Approved by the FDA in 2016 and manufactured by Shire, Xiidra belongs to a unique group of medications called lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) antagonists. While the precise mechanisms remain somewhat unclear, it's believed that Xiidra mitigates inflammation and boosts tear production by preventing a protein named LFA-1 from interacting with another protein in the eyes known as ICAM-1.

Using Xiidra

Like Restasis, Xiidra is also recommended for twice-daily use, 12 hours apart. Impressively, patients often notice a decrease in dry eye symptoms within just two weeks of use. Yet, similar to Restasis, complete relief can take up to six to 12 weeks.

Uses for Restasis and Xiidra

Both Restasis and Xiidra, popular choices for long-term treatments for dry eye, are typically prescribed by an eye care professional. They work through the reduction of inflammation on the surface of the eyes and increasing tear production. Along with dryness, these medications can relieve other dry eye symptoms like redness, blurry vision, itchiness, and eye fatigue, which are common complaints at our eye care clinic in CITY.

Restasis and Xiidra: Which is More Effective?

At present, there are no clinical trials which directly compare the effectiveness of Restasis against Xiidra. However, clinical trials have found both of these effective when compared to placebo.

Your doctor will be best able to recommend which medication might work best for you.

Restasis is typically covered by insurance, while Xiidra is not, so that might also factor into decisions on which to take.

For a detailed comparison of these medications, please refer to this page.

Side Effects

As with all medications, there are both common and rare side effects for both Restasis and Xiidra.

Common side effects of Restasis:

Redness of the eyes
Irritation of the eyes
Blurry vision

Common side effects of Xiidra:

Redness of the eyes
Irritation of the eyes
Eye discharge
Blurry vision
Headaches
Dysgeusia, an unusual taste in the mouth

Serious side effects of both Restasis and Xiidra include:

Hypersensitivity reactions
Itching
Rash
Swelling
Shortness of breath

Drug Interactions of Restasis and Xiidra

There have not been significant drug interactions reported with either Restasis or Xiidra. However, you should note that other medical eye drops should generally be avoided while using either Restasis or Xiidra, unless directed by your optometrist. If you are considering taking either of these medications, be sure to tell your eye care professional about other medications you are taking, including prescriptions, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Our eye care clinic in CITY is always ready to provide you with the needed information and guidance.

How Can I Find an Eye Doctor Near Me?

If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in CITY, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "Dry eye specialist near me."

Common Questions

Is Restasis safe for your eyes?

Yes, Restasis is generally safe for your eyes when used as prescribed. It is approved by the FDA for long-term use in treating chronic dry eye. As with any medication, there are potential side effects, but these are generally mild and temporary. Regular check-ups with our optometrist will help ensure the treatment is working effectively and safely.

Can Restasis damage your vision?

There's no evidence that Restasis damages vision. However, one of its common side effects is temporary blurred vision. If you experience prolonged vision changes while using Restasis, it's important to contact our eye care professional at Fargo. They can reassess your treatment and ensure that there are no other underlying issues affecting your vision.

What eye drops do you recommend for dry eye syndrome?

Depending on the severity of your dry eyes there are different eye drops we would recommend. If you have the milder version of dry eyes then over the counter artificial tears such as Systane Balance or Refresh Optive Artificial Tears may be sufficient enough to help relieve your symptoms of dry eyes. However, if you have more moderate/severe dry eyes a more viscous drop such as a gel drop or ointment may be more beneficial. In the event that over the counter eye drops are not providing much relief, there are other various prescription eye drops that your eye doctor can prescribe, such as Restasis or Cequa or Xiidra. Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface, and one component that causes dry eyes is ocular surface inflammation and damage; so Xiidra and Restasis/Cequa work by regulating the inflammatory processes in the eye that can affect tear production.

Is Restasis the best treatment for dry eyes?

Determining the "best" treatment for dry eyes often depends on individual circumstances such as severity of symptoms, overall health, and response to different medications. Restasis, a medication that targets inflammation—a root cause of dry eyes—is effective for many patients. However, our eye care professional at Fargo is best placed to assess the patient's condition and advise on the most suitable treatment. This might include alternatives or adjuncts to Restasis, like lubricating eye drops, lifestyle changes, or other prescription medications.

What does Xiidra do for dry eyes?

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It works by blocking a certain protein on the cells of the eye that can cause inflammation. By reducing inflammation, Xiidra can increase tear production and reduce dryness, itching, and other dry eye symptoms. It's important to consult with our optometrist before starting any new treatment.

Can Restasis and Xiidra be used together?

While Restasis and Xiidra are both FDA-approved for the treatment of dry eyes, it is not common to use them simultaneously. Both work by reducing inflammation in the eye to improve tear production and alleviate symptoms, but they do so through different mechanisms. It's crucial to follow the prescription and dosage guidelines provided by our eye doctor at Fargo. Overuse or misuse of eye drops can have adverse effects.

Is Xiidra a steroid?

Xiidra is not a steroid. It's a type of drug called a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist. It works by blocking the interaction of certain molecules involved in the inflammatory process, thus helping to reduce inflammation and increase tear production in patients with dry eye disease.

Is Restasis a steroid?

Restasis (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion) is not a steroid. It is an immunosuppressive agent, meaning it reduces the body's immune response. In the case of dry eyes, Restasis works by decreasing inflammation in the eye to allow for increased natural tear production.

Can Restasis harm your eyes?

When used as directed by our eye care professional, Restasis is generally safe. However, like any medication, it may cause side effects such as burning, stinging, or redness in the eyes. Serious side effects are rare. If you experience any unusual symptoms, contact our eye doctor immediately.

Summary

Restasis and Xiidra are two prescription eye drops for dry eye which have been found to be effective at treating its symptoms. If you have additional questions, or think either Restasis or Xiidra might be helpful for treating your dry eye symptoms, you can contact Fargo at 111-222-3333. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over STATE, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from CITY, SECONDARY1, SECONDARY2, and SECONDARY3.

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