Restasis / Cyclosporine 0.05%
Also known as Restasis, Cyclosporine Eye Drops, Cyclosporine 0.05%, Dry Eye Prescription Drops, Immunomodulator Eye Drops
Bottom Line
Restasis is a prescription cyclosporine 0.05% eye drop used for dry eye disease. It works slowly by calming inflammation, so it usually takes weeks to months rather than days.
Cyclosporine 0.05% is a prescription eye drop for dry eye disease. It calms swelling and irritation on the surface of the eye. It is not a quick lubricant — it works slowly, helping your eyes make more of their own tears over weeks to months.
Doctors usually try cyclosporine when artificial tears alone are not enough, especially when the dry eye is driven by surface inflammation 1.
Dry eye disease diagnosis and treatment usually look at more than one cause. Cyclosporine is often used with other dry-eye treatments. These include artificial tears, warm compresses, lid scrubs, screen breaks, and care for clogged oil glands in the eyelids 2.
How It Works
Cyclosporine calms immune signaling on the eye surface. It is used when dry eye disease has an inflammatory component. Topical cyclosporine therapy for dry eye syndrome has been studied as a long-term treatment, not a rescue drop 1.
Side Effects
The most common issue is temporary burning or stinging after the drop. Other possible effects include redness, watery eyes, blurred vision right after use, or bad taste. Call the doctor for severe pain, swelling, discharge, or allergy symptoms.
Cost and Insurance
Coverage varies widely. Generic cyclosporine may cost less than brand-name Restasis, but copays differ by plan. Ask the pharmacy about generic substitution, manufacturer coupons, and prior authorization.
Common Questions About Restasis
Next Steps
- 1Ask your eye doctor whether your dry eye looks inflammatory and whether cyclosporine fits your type of dryness.
- 2Use the drop consistently as prescribed; do not judge it after only a few days.
- 3Keep using preservative-free artificial tears if your doctor recommends them.
- 4Call the eye doctor for severe pain, discharge, swelling, vision drop, or allergy symptoms.
Find specialists for Restasis / Cyclosporine 0.05%
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Restasis / Cyclosporine 0.05%.
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