What is Restasis?
Restasis is the brand name version of the generic medication cyclosporine; this medication is an immunosuppressive agent used to treat eye inflammation and the chronic dry eye condition that commonly occurs as a result of inflammation. This product is available by prescription only and may increase your eyes natural ability to produce tears. Certain medical conditions may require dosage adjustments or special tests to ensure you can use Restasis safely.
Restasis Uses
Restasis is used to treat chronic dry eye as well as inflammation of the eye that can cause this condition. Chronic dry eye can occur as a result of many factors; continuous therapy is usually required in treating this condition. Restasis should be used exactly as prescribed; this medication is typically used 2 times per day every 12 hours, or as doctor prescribed. Restasis, or cyclosporine, should not be used in conjunction with other eye drops or medications unless you have been directed to do so by a doctor. You should avoid using this medication if you have an active eye infection.
It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before using Restasis; this prevents the risk for spreading bacteria to your eyes. Turn the medication bottle upside down several times in order to mix the solution; the liquid will appear uniformly white when it is ready to be used. When you are ready to apply the medication, lean your head back and pull out your lower eyelid, next place the dropper above your eye while resting your gaze up and away from the bottle, then squeeze one drop into your eye and close the eye. This product is generally used once every 12 hours or as doctor prescribed.
Restasis should not be used while contact lenses are in place; take out the lenses and wait 15 minutes before using this product, then wait 15 minutes after you have used Restasis before replacing your contact lenses. It is important to make sure the medication dropper used to apply this product is not touched by anyone and that it does not touch any surfaces; if the sterile dropper is touched, it can create the risk of an eye infection.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can be used in conjunction with Restasis but you should allow 15 minutes to lapse in between use of these products. Artificial tears may be helpful in treating chronic dry eye temporarily but is typically unable to provide the long term treatment for this condition as is seen with Restasis. Chronic dry eye can occur due to the following factors; advanced age, certain eye medications, eye diseases, use of contact lenses, and other medical conditions. In certain chronic dry eye conditions, an individual can lose the natural ability to make tears; Restasis can help increase the natural tears of those who use it.
