RESTASIS® was developed specifically to treat a type of Chronic Dry Eye with decreased tear production due to inflammation. It can help increase the eyes' natural tear production with time and consistent use. In a study, patients using RESTASIS® saw an increase in tear production at 6 months.

In general, patients are advised to use Restasis for a minimum of 6 months, with the understanding that the vast majority will require lifelong treatment to remain symptom-free. Side effects were similar in 1-year and 3-year trials.

Restasis eye drops contain cyclosporine which is an immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine can increase tear production that has been reduced by inflammation in the eye(s). Restasis eye drops are used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation.

RESTASIS® and RESTASIS MultiDose ® are not artificial tears. They are prescription eye drops. Artificial tears are over-the-counter lubricants that help moisten the eyes and provide temporary symptom relief, but they do not increase the eyes' ability to produce their own tears.

Restasis is generally safe and well-tolerated, but if you experience any serious discomfort (i.e., more than just a slight burning of the eyes), contact your doctor. Restasis is not allowed in people with a history of serious eye infections. If you develop an eye infection, see your eye doctor immediately.

Restasis® has U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat eye inflammation due to dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It can also treat inflammation and dry eye that happen on their own or because of another condition like allergic eye irritation or Sjögren's syndrome.

Patients with severe DED frequently have a poor response to normal twice per day application of Restasis, even after several months of treatment, and often benefit from an increased dosing application of three or four times per day.

RESTASIS® and RESTASIS MultiDose ® Ophthalmic Emulsion help increase your eyes' natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. RESTASIS® and RESTASIS MultiDose ® did not increase tear production in patients using anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear duct plugs.

Restasis (cyclosporine) is a twice-daily, prescription eye drop for chronic dry eye that can help you make more natural tears. The most common side effect of Restasis is a burning sensation in the eye. Eye-related side effects of Restasis are generally temporary and should go away on their own with time.

Restasis for chronic dry eye Restasis is FDA-approved to treat chronic dry eye. With this condition, you have inflammation or irritation in your eyes that causes dryness. This often results in stinging, burning, redness, or itching around your eyes. It can also cause difficulty with wearing contact lenses.

Guidelines published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) state that cyclosporine (the active drug in Restasis) eye drops are effective for treating dry eye. They also state that for some people, the drug can work well enough that symptoms of dry eye go away for long periods of time.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS When using RESTASIS®, you might experience temporary burning or stinging. This may be a response to treatment and is the most common side effect. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.