The Hidden Dangers of Restasis (and Other Dry Eye Drugs): What Your Eyes Wish You Knew

If you've ever felt like you've got sand in your eyes or can't make it through a day without reaching for eye drops, you know how frustrating dry eye can be. And when over-the-counter drops just don't cut it, prescription medications like Restasis might seem like the answer. But before you commit to a long-term medication regimen, there are some important things you should know.

The Limitations of Prescription Eye Drops

Medications like Restasis (cyclosporine) and Xiidra (lifitegrast) work by suppressing inflammation on the eye's surface. While they can provide relief for some patients, they come with significant drawbacks: they can take months to show results, they often cause burning and stinging upon application, and they require indefinite daily use to maintain their effects.

Potential Side Effects

Long-term use of immunosuppressive eye drops can lead to increased susceptibility to eye infections, chronic irritation and discomfort, blurred vision, and in rare cases, more serious complications. Additionally, these medications treat the symptoms rather than the underlying cause of dry eye disease.

A Better Approach: Treating the Root Cause

At The Last Optical, we take a different approach. Rather than masking symptoms with medication, we focus on identifying and treating the root cause of your dry eye. For the majority of dry eye sufferers, the underlying issue is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) — a condition where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked or dysfunctional.

Advanced Treatment Options

Our dry eye spa offers FDA-approved treatments like OptiLight IPL therapy and the TearCare System that directly address MGD, restoring your glands' natural function and providing lasting relief without the need for daily medication. These treatments are safe, effective, and offer results that prescription drops simply cannot match.