Cyclosporine ophthalmic and Blurred Vision: What Users Say

• Emp...
• October 5, 2016

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

• Ele...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2021

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I was prescribed this medication by my eye doctor, and after a few days of use, I had severe skin burns on my eyelids, and it caused blurred vision that incapacitated me from doing anything for a couple of weeks. After being treated with steroid medication, I was able to recover. But when I called customer service of the company, their representatives were rude and sent me on the loop, which gave me no support and no refund for 3 months' worth of product I can’t use. Worst customer service I’ve ever encountered. I’ll never use this company ever again."

• Dot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2021

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I have dry eyes for many years, but the last 5 have been the worse. Burning and blurry eyes. I started the Cequa treatment 3 months ago, what an amazing difference. I use a lot fewer eye drops, no more burning eyes, and my vision is clear. But now I changed jobs, and my insurance does not cover this very expensive medication."

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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic "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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

• sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2020

For Dry Eye Disease "I only used this for two days and stopped. My doctor gave samples to me and told me to try them out. After only two days, my eyes felt terrible. Burning lasted the whole day for me, and my vision is now blurry. Eyes also feel even drier...it's like I took 1 step forward, 10 steps back. I'm not using this anymore. My eyes feel terrible. I will be sticking to just artificial tears for now."

• Ell...
• September 23, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "Have been taking Restasis for dry eyes for two years with no other symptoms than burning until recently. My vision has become blurred, had my glass prescription made stronger, difficulty reading, redness of eyes, and terrible itching. Started to use Refresh Plus, and symptoms are lessening. Will discuss the problem with my ophthalmologist."

• Pip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2024

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "One drop per eye, 12 hr apart. Easy to use. Initial combination with low steroid drops four times a day for the first month that I’ve had before for allergies. Only a few days in and the first day seemed great. Game changer. I’ve started to get blurry vision and it does sting/burn. I am also getting some headaches, which I don’t know if they’re connected. Will check back in with the optometrist."

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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

• Dry...
• March 3, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "Tear production increased slightly, but now I have blurry vision."