All Dry Eye Drop Options (In addition to Over the Counter Non-Preserved Artificial Tears)

The key FDA-approved dry eye drops are Restasis, Xiidra, and Cequa. They are drops that decrease inflammation. They are all non-preserved. They are all used 2x/day (though some MDs will recommend them “off-label” 3-4 times per day for severe dry eye patients. They have their benefits and side effects. They all come in containers like below which can be hard to use for older patients. 

Restasis is 0.05% cyclosporine and the oldest FDA approved drop for aqueous deficiency (just the water/aqueous part of the tear) dry eye. It takes about 3months for blood levels to achieve to feel improvement in symptoms in many patients. This drop can cause significant eye-burning when applied, even after the initial 3 months, and allergy.  

Cequa is a new version of cyclosporine 0.09% and takes about 28 days for symptom improvement according to FDA trials. This drop can cause significant eye-burning when applied, even after the initial days and allergy.  

Xiidra is an LFA-1 antagonist and usually works in 2-3weeks but can cause significant burning and a metallic taste in the mouth after use (especially if the puncta [the canal between the eye and nose on corners of eyelids] is open). Allergy to Xiidra is not uncommon. More information about these FDA-approved drops below. 

Autologous Serum and Platelet Rich Plasma are cells used from your own blood which provide customized cellular therapy to help decrease inflammation and heal cells and tissue. There is rarely any side effects, such as burning. AS and PRP have been used for years on patients with dry eyes and usually costs about $150-250/month.