RESTASIS® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% is the only prescription therapy for patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Chronic Dry Eye) whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation. Increased tear production was not seen in patients currently taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or using punctal plugs.
It has been shown that patients with Chronic Dry Eye experience increased activation of T-cells. These T-cells produce cytokines that may result in
RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion contains a very small concentration of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is believed to inhibit the activation of T-cells. T-cells cause inflammation and disrupt the normal production of tears in the lacrimal glands. Improving the lacrimal glands function is believed to result in increased tear production.
While artificial tears can provide temporary relief by putting lubricants on the surface of the eye, only RESTASIS® is FDA-approved to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Increased tear production was not seen in patients currently taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or punctal plugs.1