Can Xiidra make dry eyes worse?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Aug 26, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) should not make dry eyes worse. If you notice a worsening of dry eyes during treatment with Xiidra, it is important to talk to your doctor about why this may be occurring and whether to try a different treatment.

While Xiidra is unlikely to worsen dry eyes, it can cause related side effects. The most common side effects of Xiidra occur directly after the solution is administered and include:

Pain
Irritation
Itching
Redness in the eyes

These reactions generally resolve quickly.

Less commonly, Xiidra may cause:

Vision changes
Blurred vision
An altered sense of taste
Excessive tearing of the eyes
Headaches

Clinical studies have shown improvement in dry eye symptoms after using Xiidra drops for 12 weeks. However, Xiidra may not work for everyone, and it will not cure dry eye disease.

Different people may experience more or less significant reductions in dry eye symptoms while using Xiidra.

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Deputy Division Director Review: Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%. October 5, 2015. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2016/208073Orig1s000SumR.pdf. [Accessed August 23, 2021].
Patel J, Franko J. Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution 5% (Xiidra) for Dry Eye Disease. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(2):119-120. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p119.html.

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.

Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?

Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Restasis (cyclosporine) are prescription eye drops used to treat dry eye disease, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Continue reading

Can Xiidra make dry eyes worse?

Read next

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

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?

Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?

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