Does Tyrvaya reduce inflammation?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on April 16, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Tyrvaya does not reduce inflammation, it targets the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway which stimulates the lacrimal functional unit – an integrated system consisting of the lacrimal glands, surface of the eye, goblet glands and meibomian glands, and the nerves that connect them – to improve the quality and quantity of tear film produced. The trigeminal parasympathetic pathway is accessible through the nose, which is why Tyrvaya is produced as a nasal spray. This allows effective treatment of dry eye without the burning and stinging often associated with eye drops.

Dry eye is caused by an unstable tear film, which makes the cornea (the transparent layer at the front of the eye) vulnerable to damage and inflammation. Most dry eye products try to replicate natural tears. But tears are very complex and composed over 1500 proteins, lipids, and mucins with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. By stimulating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, Tyrvaya improves the quality and quantity of our own tears, rather than trying to replace tears.

References

FDA approves Oyster Point Pharma’s Tyrvaya as the first nasal spray for dry eye disease. January 1, 2022. Ophthalmology Management. https://www.ophthalmologymanagement.com/issues/2022/january-2022/rx-perspective
Neural Tributaries. Dry Eyeland. https://www.dryeyeland.com/neural-tributaries#:~:text=Tear%20film%20homeostasis%20is%20predominantly%20regulated%20by%20the%20trigeminal%20parasympathetic%20pathway.&text=The%20trigeminal%20nerve%20is%20the,and%20maintains%20tear%20film%20homeostasis.
McKown, R. L., Wang, N., Raab, R. W., Karnati, R., Zhang, Y., Williams, P. B., & Laurie, G. W. (2009). Lacritin and other new proteins of the lacrimal functional unit. Experimental eye research, 88(5), 848–858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2008.09.002

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.

Dry eyes are a common condition that can cause symptoms like stinging, burning, itching, redness, and a gritty sensation. These symptoms occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Choosing the right eye drops depends on how severe your symptoms are, the underlying cause of your dry eye, and your individual needs.

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?

Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry or fluctuating vision. This occurs because dry eye syndrome disrupts the tear film that coats the eye’s surface, leading to uneven light refraction and irregularities on the corneal surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of the tear film, is a major contributor to this problem.

What is the mechanism of action of Tyrvaya?

Tyrvaya works by activating a pathway in the nose that is responsible for your own natural tear production. It is thought to work as an agonist by binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor. This binding activates the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway in the nose to increase basal tear production. Continue reading

Does Tyrvaya reduce inflammation?

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What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.

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What is the mechanism of action of Tyrvaya?

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