RESTASIS®
(cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%
Research has shown that chronic dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) occurs when changes to the health of the tear-producing glands affect the quantity and quality of tears produced. The tear film can no longer provide enough nourishment or protection to the surface of the eye. Dry eye affects an estimated 21 million people in the United States1 and can be a progressive disease. If left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to more serious problems.
RESTASIS® ophthalmic emulsion is the first, and currently the only, prescription eye drop that helps to increase your eyes' natural ability to produce tears which may be suppressed by inflammation due to chronic dry eye. RESTASIS® ophthalmic emulsion did not increase tear production in patients using topical steroid drops or tear duct plugs. Artificial tears provide temporary relief of dry eye symptoms by putting water and lubricants on the surface of the eye. RESTASIS®, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002, is currently the only prescription eye drop believed to address an underlying cause of chronic dry eye.
Important Safety Information
RESTASIS® should not be used by patients with active eye infections and has not been studied in patients with a history of herpes viral infections of the eye.
The most common side effect is a burning sensation. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.