What is RESTASIS®Ophthalmic Emulsion?
RESTASIS® is a prescription eye drop that helps increase your eyes’ natural ability to
produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye.
How Does RESTASIS® Help?
Chronic Dry Eye (CDE) is a medical condition that needs continuous therapy. It can be
caused by advanced age, contact lens wear, certain medications, eye diseases, or other
medical conditions.
Some people who suffer from CDE use artificial tears. Over time, some people need
them more and more often. They may also find that using different kinds or brands of
eye drops aren’t enough. Using artificial tears can help moisten your eyes, but they
provide only temporary relief.
One type of CDE is characterized by decreased tear production due to inflammation.
For this type of CDE, RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion helps increase your eyes'
natural ability to make tears. One drop, twice a day, with continued use can help you
make more of your own tears.
How long does it take for RESTASIS® to work?
Chronic Dry Eye is a chronic condition, and you will need to maintain therapy on an
ongoing basis. Within 1 month of therapy, your eyes may start producing more of their
own tears, but it could take 3 to 6 months after beginning therapy to see an increase in
tear production.
You may want to continue to use artificial tears, such as REFRESH® Brand or
REFRESH® OPTIVE™ Lubricant Eye Drops, in conjunction with RESTASIS®
Ophthalmic Emulsion. Your use of artificial tears may decrease as you begin to produce
more of your own tears. Individual results may vary.
How should I use RESTASIS®?
Patients should use RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion twice a day, 12 hours apart,
every day. One vial should be used every morning and another vial should be used
every night. That’s why it is important that you get a full 30-day supply (2 trays—60 vials
total) from your pharmacist.
If you believe you would benefit from Restasis eye drops for your eye drop, schedule an
appointment with our eye doctors at NJ Family and Dry Eye Center.