Restasis® (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion) 0.05%

How Restasis Works

Restasis works by reducing the inflammation that can cause chronic dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), a condition where the eyes don’t produce enough natural tears. The medication takes time to work, and many patients see improvement in tear production after 3 to 6 months of consistent use.

Restasis works as an immunosuppressant, specifically targeting the immune response in the eyes. By inhibiting T-cell activation, Restasis reduces the immune system's overreaction which leads to inflammation in the lacrimal glands, which are responsible for tear production. By calming this immune response, Restasis allows the lacrimal glands to produce more natural tears, helping to alleviate the symptoms of chronic dry eye, such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

Check out our Dry Eye Syndrome page for more details on symptoms and other treatment options.

How to Use Restasis

To use Restasis effectively, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Typically, patients use one drop in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart. If you use artificial tears or other eye drops, wait at least 15 minutes between applications. Restasis comes in both single-use vials and a MultiDose® bottle for convenience.

Important Safety Information

• Contact Lenses: Restasis should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Remove lenses before applying the drops, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

• Single-Use Vials: Restasis is available in single-use vials that should be discarded after opening. Do not reuse or save the vials after applying the drops.

• Side Effects: The most common side effect is a temporary burning sensation upon application. Other side effects may include redness, eye pain, watery eyes, or blurred vision. If you experience persistent irritation or other severe reactions, contact your healthcare provider​.

Visit the official Restasis website for more information about savings programs and additional product details.

Alternatives to Restasis®

While Restasis® is a proven option for increasing natural tear production in patients with chronic dry eye, there are several other treatments available. Depending on your specific condition and needs, your doctor may recommend different options:

• Cequa®: Another cyclosporine-based eye drop, Cequa is designed to treat chronic dry eye by reducing inflammation and increasing tear production. Cequa may work more quickly for some patients, with improvements often seen within two weeks. Learn more about Cequa here.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears provide temporary relief from dry eye symptoms but do not treat the underlying cause of inflammation. These are typically recommended for milder cases or in combination with prescription treatments.

• Punctal Plugs: In some cases, your doctor may suggest punctal plugs, tiny devices inserted into your tear ducts to block drainage and retain more tears on the surface of your eye.

Discuss with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your specific case of chronic dry eye. For more information on different treatment options, visit our Dry Eye Syndrome page.