Cyclosporine ophthalmic and Discomfort: What Users Say

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2019

For Dry Eye Disease "My doctor prescribed Restasis as part of a treatment plan for my chronic dry eye, which has caused some damage to my cornea and also deterioration of my vision. I used it twice a day but had to discontinue after 3 weeks because of severe side effects. These included pain, discomfort, feeling of a foreign object, and increased sensitivity to light. In other words, it caused an increase in the symptoms it was supposed to treat! The day I stopped using the drops, the side effects diminished, and the day after they disappeared. I was happy to be back to the condition I had previously. That's the only positive effect of Restasis - realizing how much better you feel NOT using it. I can't imagine for the life of me why this product is on the market and is being prescribed by physicians."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2019

For Dry Eye Disease "I have dry eyes so I was prescribed the Restasis one week ago. I was told it would take months to really kick in to be effective. The Restasis caused the side effects of my eyes got bloodshot, teared for no reason, and overall a general discomfort. I stopped them today and went back to Systane Ultra, and my eyes feel so much better. When it comes to my eyes, I'm not messing around with something for months to see if it even works. I do not recommend this drug."

• 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."

• Whi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2022

For Dry Eye Disease "I tried Cequa for three weeks, and it did not work for me. At first, it started with just the stinging and itching I was warned about, which would gradually subside. But then it actually made the dry eye worse, even if I used a moisturizing drop 30 minutes before I used the Cequa. One night, right before bed, I put in the eye drops and immediately had to rush to the sink to rinse my eyes out with water. I started crying and almost had to go to the emergency room, thinking I had permanently damaged my eyes, it hurt so bad. I had to rinse my eyes out with saline several times before the pain and severe itching subsided. It was a full day before I could use any other type of eye drops to help with my dry eyes, which was a nightmare. Thankfully, by the second day, I was fine again, although my eyes were still a little bit irritated and uncomfortable. I’m never using this again."

• 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."

• PJa...
• January 18, 2020

For Dry Eye Disease "Made my eyes, and especially my eyelids, way more irritated and very uncomfortable."