Restasis (cyclosporine opthalmic) is a medication used to manage chronic dry eyes. It belongs to the category of medicines known as immunomodulators, and it reduces eye swelling, subsequently promoting increased lacrimation (tearing of your eyes). Typically, you will place 1 drop of Restasis in each eye 2 times a day. Make sure these drops are administered at least 12 hours apart, says the National Library of Medicine.
Prevalent Side Effects
MedlinePlus says that Restasis can cause a foreign-body sensation in the eye, blurry vision, eye discharge and red eyes. Restasis can also cause excessive eye tearing and itching, burning, pain, redness or stinging of your eyes. Inform your doctor whether these symptoms last for three or four days. She may recommend that you discontinue Restasis.
The National Library of Medicine reports that 17 percent of patients developed ocular (eye) burning, while 1 to 5 percent experienced eye pain, conjunctival (eye tissue) redness, itching, stinging and blurry vision.
Drugs.com says that you should not touch the Restasis eye dropper. The eye dropper is typically sterile but when you touch it, bacteria contaminates it. This can lead to an eye infection.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com says that Restasis is not expected to cause serious or potentially life-threatening side effects. However, inform your doctor if the aforementioned prevalent side effects become severe.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Do not use Restasis if you are hypersensitive to cyclosporine. It may cause increased eye redness, itchiness and blurry vision.
Remove your contact lenses prior to applying Restasis. Restasis can damage your contact lenses.
Drugs.com says that it is not clear whether Restasis can pass into your breast milk or harm you during pregnancy. However, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications, or any vitamins, minerals or herbs. Any of these medications can combine with Restasis and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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