Restasis and Blurred Vision: What Users Say

• Emp...
• October 5, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "I was prescribed Restasis by my ophthalmologist due to severe dry eye caused by Accutane. I was given a card that gave me a discount since I did not have private health insurance and used each vial over 2-3 days, so that it became effectively very cheap for me to use. I had side effects at first: burning eyes and blurred vision. I was told it takes a minimum of 3 months to see any benefits, so I kept using it. It worked almost too well, as my eyes started producing tears so much that my eyes would water all the time. I stopped using the product after 1 year, and my eyes have improved so much that I no longer need to use it, although I still use regular over-the-counter eye drops (Systane Balance) once or twice a day as needed."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2017

For Dry Eye Disease "I was diagnosed with extreme dry eye, in part due to past Lasix surgery, part occupational hazard, and part age-related. My doctor put me on Restasis. It turns out I am allergic. I had none of the eye pain others described. But, my vision was very blurry, impeding my ability to read and focus starting day 1. I increased my fluid intake, thinking dehydration. I had a 'light' headache, sinus and throat issues getting progressively worse, and I would suddenly lose my voice and experience dizziness. My blood pressure was elevated. My face became red and itchy. After feeling abnormalities in the blood flow around my heart, I stopped the Restasis. This all happened in 4 days. Most of the symptoms left 48 hours after stopping. Restasis is not for everyone."

• Mmo...
• October 4, 2018

For Dry Eye Disease "A few years ago, my doctor told me I needed Restasis. I really did not think I had dry eyes, as my eyes actually tear up... he said those are 'junk tears.' Never heard of such a thing, but went with it. I used them for about 4 months and did not notice a change. He thought I would 'see better' with them. Ha ha. What happened towards the end of using them... my vision started to get blurry. It has gotten worse, and to the point where I need to wear glasses all the time. I really think the Restasis did this. The doctor says I have the start of cataracts... really... again, I am saying it was the Restasis that did this and I am not happy. So, in my opinion, unless you really are having a dry eye issue that is causing a lot of problems, do not use this product or you may very well end up like me and have blurred vision."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 12, 2015

"I have been on Restasis for about a year and do not see much improvement. In fact, every time I use it, my eyes burn for about an hour and it blurs my vision. I am still using other moisture drops in my eyes several times a day and the PM eye ointment at night. I will stop using it as I don't see a difference. If there are people out there that cannot afford this medication, ask your doctor for a card that will give you a discount or maybe you can get it for free as I did."

• Hot...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "Ten years ago, I went through 7 mo. of chemo for breast cancer. In doing so, my tear ducts were affected as well as my eyes. Both eyes felt as though I had stared at someone welding, only my eyes just got worse. I used eye drops and gels for a couple of months. And then my doctor prescribed Restasis. During the day, I used the drops, and then both eyes would burn for a bit and itch. At night, I used the OTC gel. This gel causes blurred vision, has a cooling effect, and puts the fire out. The Restasis was always kept in a cooler when away from home and in the fridge at home. This seemed to take the burn and itch out about half."

• ATX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2019

For Dry Eye Disease "I prefer Restasis over Xiidra. I use the individual vials 2x a day. Xiidra burns, leaves blurry vision, and leaves an awful taste in your mouth."

• Aun...
• March 22, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "Redness, blurred vision, pain in and around the affected eye, feeling of something in my eye. Have been on Restasis for 2 weeks but felt the side effects right away."