Restasis and Burning: What Users Say

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2021

For Dry Eye Disease "I was diagnosed with dry eye disease and MGD. My doc prescribed it and said it would take 3 months to kick in. I took it for almost 3 months, and it made my eyes drier than they were before! I stopped taking it. Then my eyelids got really bad. Very swollen and caused my eyes to burn for weeks. It also made my MGD worse! My eyes started to feel better a few months later and still have some side effects of it today, but I wanted to let you know NOT TO TAKE THIS! Just keep up on the artificial tears and start watching your diet! Watch your sugar and coffee, and take more vitamin D and B vitamins."

• Fai...
• November 26, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "Yes, it burns. Get over it. This is the only medication that's an actual solution, and not just a bandaid on the problem like lubricants. You will suffer for a month, get used to it because it's worth it. Restasis works, if you'd rather complain and not find a solution than go through a month uncomfortable I am speechless. You cannot use inflammatory eye drops, it negates Restasis. Be prepared for no makeup, and to look bloodshot for a bit. After a couple of months, I'm loving the effect Restasis has had on my eyes. Pro-tip: Stick vials in the fridge, when you put a couple of drops in each eye place the topper back on. One vial will last 3-4 days, that's putting 2 drops in each eye twice a day. Recommended is 2 vials a day, bullshit."

• 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."

• mit...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 20, 2013

For Dry Eye Disease "I have used Restasis for about a year now and have seen almost no progress. For most of my life, I've had red and bothersome eyes. After trying various eye drops, my doctor recommended Restasis. He said it typically takes 3 to 6 months for it to really kick in, but it never did. When I put the drops in, it burns my eyes for the first 30 - 40 minutes. I've talked with my doctor about this, and he said it is normal but should go away after some time, but it hasn't. Every year around springtime, my eyes get terribly irritated, and this year has been the same, maybe even worse than other years, even though I've been using Restasis for a year now. The only difference I noticed was for the first couple of weeks, but now I'm ready to move on."

• Bir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 28, 2019

For Dry Eye Disease "I've been using Restasis for about a year. My doctor said there is some improvement with my vision, but I still have side effects. I have arthritic hands, and squeezing either the single dose or multidose versions is extremely difficult, but the multidose is slightly easier. I even called the company about it. My way around getting the multidose bottle to work better involves taking a sterile syringe needle (ask your doctor) and enlarging the dropper hole. Each bottle barely lasts a month. Now I learned that the multidose bottle is not available, just the singles. No drugstore or prescription service has it currently. My doctor also said that a generic version is about to be released in much larger bottles. As for the side effects, my eyes continue to burn, and my sinus problems have escalated to a point that I may stop using the medication and go back to using liquid tears 24/7."

• Squ...
• February 14, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "The first time I was prescribed Restasis, I was also prescribed a cortisone drop, and I didn't have any issues with burning and got complete relief within a few short months. I stopped taking it after 6 months, and the eyes became dry again about 9 months later. I am back on it again, but this time without the cortisone drops. I am finding the burning pretty much continuous. However, I am again producing tears easily. I will ask my doctor to again prescribe cortisone drops in addition to the Restasis. My doctor ok'd me using each vial for 2-3 days. Fortunately, I have insurance that covers most of the cost. I would highly recommend this drug to anyone suffering from chronic dry eyes. None of the over-the-counter medications helped."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2017

For Dry Eye Disease "I had dry eyes since I began wearing contacts when I was 12 years old. Now at age 35, I found the solution... and it was not Restasis. I was prescribed Restasis for my chronic dry eye in 2014, and I used it for about 1 1/2 years. It burned my eyes every single time I used it, and I eventually quit because it was so painful. About one year ago, in 2016, I started exercising and drinking about 1 gallon of water per day. An unintentional result from my increased water intake was NO MORE dry eyes! I no longer have to use any eye drops, something I never left home without before. I'm not saying this will work for everyone, but I have tried multiple eye drops for years and got no results, I even tried supplements like fish oil with no improvement."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2015

For Dry Eye Disease "I was hesitant to start using Restasis after reading the reviews. However, I was very desperate, suffering from severe dry eye, corneal scarring/dry spots, and ocular rosacea. My eyes were just giving me too much trouble, and I was using high-end lubricant eye drops, compresses daily, fish oil pills, and consuming a lot of water. I was doing all I could to avoid Restasis. At the end of my rope, my doctor prescribed Restasis along with a steroid drop. I have been using both for a month now and can already tell a very big difference. My eyes feel normal again and much less sensitive, with no burning, scratching, or tearing. It is wonderful. I hope that the benefits continue as long as I use the drops. I am a very happy Restasis customer!"

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2020

For Dry Eye Disease "My eyes were so dry I had to pry them open every hour and douse them with eye drops trying to sleep. With Restasis, I can usually sleep all night now, or only find my eyes are stuck upon awakening in the morning. I also have Graves’ disease, so these dry eyes may be related to that, but for now I find great relief with these drops. I have no side effects, just very slight burning, it’s not bothersome at all. I was scared to try them at first, so I only did one eye. Guess which one got better...the one I used Restasis on. I’m so glad my insurance is willing to cover them and the copay is $40."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2015

For Dry Eye Disease "I have been using Restasis for 5 months and two weeks and have finally felt a huge improvement, so don't give up. There is no burning in my eyes, and I don't feel like I have something scraping them anymore. My doctor also recommended Lacrisert to help till the Restasis kicked in. Have only used it for about 2 weeks but did get some relief with the Lacrisert. All these medicines are expensive, but I use one vial of Restasis for both eyes am and pm. This makes it last longer. Also, I don't need a Lacrisert in one eye, so that lasts longer. Lacrisert is difficult to get in, but keep trying, you'll get the hang of it. Don't give up. Huge relief. Thank the good Lord for medicine."

• Dba...
• November 18, 2015

For Dry Eye Disease "Unfortunately, I was unable to effectively try this product. I experienced severe burning in my eyes following application. I contacted Allergan (manufacturer of Restasis) immediately with my side effects, and they offered a complete refund. Thrilled that I was able to recoup my money, as this was a VERY expensive prescription ($1400/cash... 3-month supply). I am impressed with their support and willingness to refund."

• Max...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 7, 2021

For Dry Eye Disease "I have been using Restasis for 2.5 years. Yes, it burned at first for the first month, but it got so much better after that. About 2 months ago, I noticed that the drops were not as effective as they once were. Went to an ophthalmologist, and he prescribed me a steroid for 2 weeks — that helped tremendously, but then after that, to use Cequa. A higher dose of the active ingredient in Restasis. My eyes burned so bad. Much worse than they ever did. I went back to Restasis, burning continued. Worse than I’ve ever had. I want to rip my eyes out. So, I haven’t used anything in a couple of weeks but the TheraTears, and I’m better but not 100%. The doctor has suspected Sjögren’s syndrome, but they don’t know for sure if that’s my problem."

• Mis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2015

For Dry Eye Disease "I have been using this for approximately 2 years now, and I am very worried that it has made my eyes MUCH worse. I have just gotten done reading the other reviews, and I am the complete opposite of these others. Therefore, I read the list of possible but not likely side effects, and I am experiencing each and every one of these symptoms every time I use this medicine. Today, I used my Restasis and then went venturing with my family for a few hours, and my right eye began to secrete the yellowish thick fluid and burn worse than ever before. It also started to swell at the far corner of my eye. I went to the local emergency room, where I was informed that I have conjunctivitis in my right eye and now have to use antibiotics and pain meds."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "My husband is 42 years old and has perfect (20/20) vision. He began experiencing eye trouble about two years ago. It began with a few floaters. He says he still has these floaters as well as a feeling as if there are 'shadows' being cast over his eyes/eyelids. He also complains that they burn and have a 'sand' or 'grit' feeling in them. He has been to several eye doctors, all of which have either written him off completely or diagnosed him with having severe dry eye. He tried Restasis, and they have since become worse. No relief at all. He uses the non-preservative eye drops throughout the day and others occasionally. I see quite a few people have said the same thing, the Restasis just doesn't work. The discomfort has worsened."

• JPa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 24, 2018

For Dry Eye Disease "Restasis single-use vials help my dry eyes. I’ve been using the single-use vials for a few years now. They do tend to make my eyes burn about half the time, but they still help. My complaint and low rating is because of the multi-dose bottles they’re switching to. The bottle is terrible. It takes forever to get a drop, which is extremely hard on dry eyes. Then, you don’t get just one drop. You get 2 or 3. Since they’re apparently conserving money, even one drop extra means you’ll run out of prescription before you should. This bottle needs a makeover. It also needs extra liquid. No one can get just one drop each time and make certain that one drop hits their eye as it should!"

• sse...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2023

For Dry Eye Disease "Used this medication for around one month for dry eyes due to a chemical burn in my left eye. This medication, by far, has to be the worst dry eye drop on the market. It made my left eye so itchy, and the foreign body sensation drove me up a wall, having the urge to constantly rub my eye and the burning sensation as well. Stopped the medication, and my eye is better."

• 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."

• Spi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2022

For Dry Eye Disease "I just started using Restasis a week ago. I have no burning sensation like I did with Xiidra. I have a ways to go to see if it helps me. However, I’m reviewing the multi-use bottle. Who in their right mind designed this disaster! I had to look up how to open and use the eye drops with this ridiculously designed bottle. Seriously. It just kept running down my cheek. So my DIY around this was to use one of the Systane bottles that was fully used. I pulled the top of the dropper off (the bottle is green, which makes it easier to see) and rinsed it out, let it dry, then squeezed the Restasis into it. So much easier to see the tip, and it’s drugstore length. Just FYI. But the architect of this Restasis bottle should be fired!"

• 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."

• Ann...
• July 14, 2018

For Dry Eye Disease "The multi-dose bottle is impossible for me to use by myself. I have to have someone put the drops in for me, and by the time we get a drop out of the bottle, my eyes are burning and dry from holding them open so long. I don’t really see that I’m any better after one month, and this drug is outrageously expensive. My next refill, I will ask for the single-use vials, which I hate because of all the plastic, but I have to have."

• CMB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2022

For Dry Eye Disease "Very dry eyes for the past 3 years. Tried OTC products, plugs, laser. Ophthalmologist prescribed Restasis 3 months ago. My symptoms have not improved, and I am considering stopping this med. The burning, sensitivity to light, and overall discomfort are awful. Some days it's difficult to read or drive. I understand it can take time to help, but 3 months is simply not acceptable."

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

For Dry Eye Disease "I just started Restasis about a week ago. So far, it often irritates my eyes, leaving them burning and slightly red. Using Theratears after 15 minutes helps, but I often use it more than I had been before starting the Rx. I agree with most users that the bottle is horrendous. I have fairly strong hands but need both to get a drop out, and my eyes get even drier from holding the eye under the drop open until I can get it out. There’s no excuse for this. Designing a decent bottle is not rocket science!"

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2021

For Dry Eye Disease "I'm hoping that eyedrops work! I've bought eye drops that cost a fortune! This will be my 2nd time trying Restasis. I know one thing for sure, these don't make everything you eat taste disgusting! I'm crossing my fingers they work since there are bad reviews. Maybe my insurance is paying again because they don't work, lol. The jury is out, didn't get enough time last time! It's positively horrible when your eyes are blood red and on fire! They don't have a cooling sensation! But that only lasts for a second!"

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2021

For Dry Eye Disease "I started Restasis two weeks ago. The more I use it, the more my eyes burn. I do not feel this medicine is helpful. I read the reviews below and see that most have bad experiences with this medicine, either method. My doctor had to cancel my appointment. I'll call tomorrow and see if she has a better suggestion. I want to mention the eye pads that gave good relief. Shaped to fit over the eyes and strap around the head, heat about 20 seconds in the microwave and place over the eyes for a few seconds. It is comfortable, and my eyes feel clearer and better after that. I will not be using Restasis again. I will probably go back to using Refresh."

• kri...
• December 27, 2014

For Dry Eye Disease "I have been using Restasis for about 4 months and really have noticed a huge improvement. It doesn't burn at all."