How Restasis Can Improve Your Comfort
The front surface of the human eyes can only be maintained moist if real tears are produced. In patients suffering from one type of chronic eye disease, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, the eyes get inflamed and produce less or no real tears.
Chronic dry eye is a non-curable eye condition that can happen to people who are getting older, wear contact lenses, have eye disease or other medical illnesses, or use certain medications. People suffering from chronic dry eye have no point in waiting for their condition to improve on its own. It is recommended that they promptly make an appointment with the best ophthalmologist or optometrist to be diagnosed early and accurately and to start with their eye treatment quickly.
There are different ways available to treat chronic dry eye: artificial tears, tear ducts or punctal plugs, and prescription eye drop-restasis. This blog talks about everything you need to know about Restasis eye drops for getting dry eye relief.
What is Restasis? A Closer Look at its Benefits and Use
Restasis is the brand name for a generic ophthalmic emulsion. It is a prescription medicine that got FDA approval in 2003 for the treatment of a type of chronic dry eye disease that causes ocular inflammation and reduces the natural ability of the eyes to produce tears.
Restasis eye drops contain an active ingredient called cyclosporine. It is available in single strength, 0.05%. The usual suggested dose is 1 drop in both eyes twice a day, in gaps of 12 hours. Continued use of Restasis comforts patients with chronic dry eyes by increasing natural tear production.
How Restasis Eye Drop Helps Fight Dry Eye Disease
Restasis eye drops contain cyclosporine, a medication that belongs to the drug class immunosuppressants—calcineurin inhibitors.
Calcineurin inhibitors work to inhibit an enzyme called calcineurin. Calcineurin activity is to activate the T lymphocytes of the immune system, which are essential for cell-mediated immunity. For ophthalmic conditions like keratoconjunctivitis sicca, calcineurin inhibitors like Restasis can help prevent or treat the condition.
In the case of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, natural tear production is presumed to be suppressed because of an inflammation in the eyes. Restasis is an immunosuppressant that helps reduce this inflammation and restore the natural ability of the eyes to produce tears.
Common Side Effects of Restasis and How to Manage Them
Just like any other medicine, restasis can have mild to serious side effects. Usually, the use of Restasis eye drops as per the doctor’s prescription and instructions does not cause major side effects. The potential side effects are mild and temporary.
Some of the most reported side effects of using Restasis eye drops include:
- Slight eye redness or itching
- Slight stinging or burning in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- The feeling of something in the eyes
- Excessive tearing/watery eyes
If these side effects last for a long time and are bothersome, it is advised to report them to your eye doctor.
An immediate call to your eye doctor is recommended if experiencing any of the following serious side effects on the use of Restasis eye drops:
- An eye discharge
- Swelling around the eye
- An eye pain or discomfort
- Extreme redness and itching of eyes
- Severe allergic reactions—signs include troubled breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue.
Note: Consult your eye doctor who has prescribed Restasis if your side effects persist, are serious, are new, or are getting worse.
Your eye doctor can suggest the best help to help you get relief from side effects or symptoms you experience with the use of Restasis eye drops. If your side effects are serious, your eye doctor will likely ask you to discontinue the therapy.
Cost of Restasis
The retail price of Restasis eye drops is variable, depending on various factors, including:
- The chosen pharmacy
- The number of bottles supplied
- Any facial assistance, insurance, or savings card
Generally, Restasis generic cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion is cheaper than Restasis eye drops. For out-of-pocket paying customers, Restasis’s price quote for 30 emulsion supplies is around $349.
Conclusion: The Path to Dry Eye Relief
Patients suffering from chronic eye disease require continuous therapy. Some may opt for artificial tears or over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to moisten their eyes but get temporary relief. Restasis eye drops are the only prescription eye drops for chronic dry eye patients that are proven to increase natural tear production by reducing eye inflammation.
Ready to step onto the path to dry eye relief with affordable prescription eye drops? First, get your eyes screened for your type of chronic dry eye disease from your eye doctor, and then ask your eye doctor whether Restasis may be the right help for your eyes to make real tears. If you want to buy Restasis online, both brand and generic Restasis eye drops are available in small or bulk quantities at discounted prices with Canadian Pharmacy.
FAQ’s
Can Restasis improve your dry eye symptoms?
Yes. Restasis contains cyclosporine that works to increase tear production that may be due to inflammation in the eyes.
Are there any side effects of Restasis eye drops?
Yes. Potential side effects are temporary, mild stinging, itching, and burning in the eyes; watery eyes; eye redness; eye pain; eye discharge; blurred vision; and foreign body sensation in the eyes.
How long does it take for Restasis to show results?
The desired effect of restasis takes several weeks to months to show up. In about 3 to 6 months, full benefits of Restasis eye drops can be experienced by the patient if used in an appropriate dosage (twice daily), as per instructions given by the eye doctor.
Can I use Restasis with other dry eye treatments?
You must inform your eye doctor about your current use of medications to avoid drug interactions. It is advised to wait for about 15 minutes after using Restasis to use artificial tears.
Can I stop using Restasis once my dry eye recovers?
No. Discontinue your Restasis therapy only when your eye doctor suggests otherwise you may experience a relapse of your dry eye symptoms. For most patients, lifelong treatment with Restasis is required to stay symptom-free with artificial tear production.
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