1880 Sismet Road Mississauga, ON L4W 1W9, Canada

Restasis

What is Dry Eye?

Our bodies produce a layer of tears on the surface of our eyes to keep them healthy. The tear layer has several functions including lubricating and moistening the eye, protecting against infection, helping us to focus, transferring oxygen to the eye and flushing away foreign material. The tear layer is actually made up of 3 individual layers: an outer oily layer, a watery middle layer and an anchoring mucus layer. Deficiency of one or more of these layers leads to dry eye.

What are the causes of dry eye?

The most common causes include:

1. Contact lens wear

2. Age and gender: the likelihood of experiencing dry eye increases with age. Women, especially those in menopause, are more likely to experience dry eye.

3. Environment: dry areas, including those with high levels of smoke, excessive computer or TV use, or driving:anytime you look at something for a prolonged period of time the tendency is to blink less.

4. Specific eye conditions such as blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction

5. Medications: many medications can lead to dry eye. Therefore it is important to disclose all the medications that you are taking to your ophthalmologist.

6. Systemic disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s and atopy.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Symptoms usually include:

1. The sensation of something in the eye.

2. Itching / Tearing

3. Increased light sensitivity

4. Increased irritation to dry or smoke filled environments

5. Blurry vision

6. Tired eyes / Soreness

7. Increased irritation as the day progresses

Why has Restasis been prescribed for me?

While dry eye can be caused by a number or reasons, your particular dry eye is due to a lack of tear production. The eyes’ natural ability to produce tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable has been impaired.

How does Restasis work?

While the exact mechanism is not entirely known, it is believed that inflammation is associated with dry eye. Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%) is a low dose medication known as an immunomodulator which helps decrease inflammation, allowing for increased tear production.

What are the benefits of Restasis?

Restasis, by decreasing surface ocular inflammation, helps certain cells of the lining of the eye regenerate. Over a period of months, this results in better coating of the surface of the eye. Studies have shown that in inflammatory dry eye patients who respond to restasis, there is a longer tear break up time, resulting in better quality of vision.

How long before I see results?

Decreasing inflammation and increasing tear production can take some time. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to a few months before you may begin to see results. It is generally thought the longer you remain on restasis, the better your eyes will feel.

What are the side effects?

Temporary burning is usually felt after the medication is instilled. This usually gets better with time. Other side effects include eye irritation, headache, foreign body sensation, eye redness, and temporary blurred vision.

Isn’t cyclosporine dangerous?

Cyclosporine is a medication that modulates the immune system. At high doses it is used for a variety of reasons including the prevention of transplant rejection. The dosage used for the eye is at a much lower dose and the typical side effects are not experienced. That said, you should not use cyclosporine if you have a history of Herpetic keratitis, Vitamin A deficiency, are breastfeeding, pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.

Please let your practitioner know if you have any of the above.

How do I use Restasis?

Place one drop in the eye twice a day. The vial may be placed in the fridge and reused for an additional day. Shake gently before use. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, however do not double your dose.

What are the costs?

Restasis unfortunately is not covered by OHIP even though it is a prescription medication. Secondary insurance often covers this medication but can vary depending on the plan you have. To help offset cost, OCC has a special arrangement with Allergan to provide this medication at a reduced price. You have the option of purchasing the medication here at OCC or a prescription can be written for you to fill elsewhere.

OCC EYECARE CENTRE LOCATIONS

Our specialized team of doctors and state-of-the-art facility
are available at two convenient locations

1880 Sismet Road Mississauga,
ON L4W 1W9, Canada

+1 905-212-9482

2630 Rutherford Rd #105, Vaughan,
ON L4K 0H2, Canada

+1 (905) 212-9482

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