Restasis and Xiidra have been clinically proven to be effective in treating dry eye. According to studies, patients who used Restasis have reported an increase in tear production and a decrease in dry eye symptoms, while studies on Xiidra have shown an improvement in symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a multifactorial disorder of the front surface of the eye. Dry eye occurs when there is inadequate tear production or a problem with the outermost oil layer of your tears, causing your tears to evaporate more quickly. Dry eyes may also occur when there is damage to the ocular surface.
What Are The Symptoms of a Dry Eye?
You may experience the following symptoms of dry eye:
- Irritation
- Stinging sensation
- Fluctuation in your vision throughout the day
- Excessive tearing
- Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Foreign body sensation or a feeling of having sand in your eyes
- A burning sensation
- Blurred vision that occurs periodically
- Feeling that you can't read for very long
- Inability to wear contact lenses for long
- Having eye discharge
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Red, irritated, tired or painful eyes
Restasis vs Xiidra: Which is Better for Dry Eyes?
When it comes to treating dry eyes, both Restasis and Xiidra are prescription eye drops that work by targeting the inflammatory component of the condition. Both aim to decrease inflammation on the surface of the eye and increase tear production.
Your eye doctor will determine which medication is best for you, based on your individual case, symptoms, and other factors. Both medications come in vials and are used twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
It's important to note that while both medications are effective, they may take different amounts of time to start working. With Restasis, it may take up to three to six months for patients to start experiencing relief, while with Xiidra, relief typically starts to occur within 2 to 3 weeks, but can take up to 6 to 12 weeks.
It's also worth noting that some patients may experience stinging sensations or even a metallic taste when using these medications. So, it's important to follow the instructions and guidance provided by your eye doctor, and do not hesitate to contact them if you have any concerns.
Take Our Online Dry Eye Assessment
Take our dry eye assessment to see if your symptoms indicate that you are suffering from treatable dry eye disease.
How Can I Find an Eye Doctor For Dry Eye Near Me?
If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist that specializes in dry eye, you might begin your search online by entering “dry eye optometrist near me” or “dry eye exam near me”.
It is important to visit an optometrist that specializes in dry eye as they have the proper technology to evaluate the underlying causes of your dry eye symptoms as well as a range of treatment options that target the underlying causes of your symptoms.
