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What Is Restasis?

Restasis is a prescription ophthalmic medication containing cyclosporine 0.05%, a calcineurin inhibitor with local immunomodulatory activity. It is approved to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is believed to be suppressed by ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly called dry-eye disease. Restasis is available as a preservative-free ophthalmic emulsion in single-use vials, with a separate multidose presentation also available. It is applied directly to the eyes twice daily. Restasis does not provide immediate relief like lubricating eye drops and may require continued treatment before improvements in tear production become noticeable.

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What Is Restasis?

Restasis is a prescription ophthalmic medication containing cyclosporine 0.05%, a calcineurin inhibitor with local immunomodulatory activity. It is approved to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is believed to be suppressed by ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly called dry-eye disease. Restasis is available as a preservative-free ophthalmic emulsion in single-use vials, with a separate multidose presentation also available. It is applied directly to the eyes twice daily. Restasis does not provide immediate relief like lubricating eye drops and may require continued treatment before improvements in tear production become noticeable.

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How Does Restasis Work?

Restasis contains cyclosporine, which inhibits calcineurin-dependent signaling involved in the activation of certain immune cells. This helps reduce inflammatory activity affecting the ocular surface and tear-producing structures. In patients whose tear production is suppressed by inflammation, reducing that activity may allow tear production to improve. Restasis is not an artificial tear and does not work primarily by adding moisture that remains on the eye. Its therapeutic benefit develops gradually with regular use. Clinical trials demonstrated increased tear production in some patients, although individual responses vary and not every type of dry eye responds to cyclosporine.

What Eye Condition Does Restasis Treat?

Restasis is approved to increase tear production in patients with inflammation-associated keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Dry-eye disease can cause burning, gritty sensations, fluctuating vision, redness, and discomfort when the tear film does not adequately protect the ocular surface. Restasis targets an inflammatory component that may contribute to reduced tear production. In clinical studies, increased tear production was not observed in patients already using topical anti-inflammatory drugs or punctal plugs. An eye care professional evaluates the cause and severity of dryness before recommending treatment. Restasis is not an antibiotic and should not be used to treat an eye infection.

How Should Restasis Be Used?

Instill one drop of Restasis 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion into each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Invert a single-use vial several times before opening to produce a uniform emulsion. Use the vial immediately after opening and discard any remaining medication after treating one or both eyes. Avoid touching the vial tip to the eye or another surface. Restasis can be used with lubricating eye drops when at least 15 minutes separate the products. Contact lenses must be removed before applying Restasis and may be reinserted after 15 minutes. Patients with significantly reduced tear production should discuss whether contact lens wear is appropriate.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Restasis?

The most common adverse effect of Restasis is a burning sensation after instillation. Other possible reactions include eye redness, discharge, tearing, itching, discomfort, and temporary visual disturbances. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon but require medical attention. Restasis is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to its ingredients. Contaminating the vial or bottle tip can introduce microorganisms and create a risk of eye injury or infection. Patients should not apply the medication over contact lenses. Persistent severe pain, pronounced swelling, worsening redness, or significant changes in vision should be evaluated by an eye care professional.

Common Questions About Restasis

Is Restasis the same as cyclosporine eye drops?

Yes. Restasis contains cyclosporine 0.05% in an ophthalmic emulsion. Other cyclosporine eye products may have different concentrations and instructions.

How often should Restasis be used?

Restasis is instilled as one drop in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

Can Restasis be used while wearing contact lenses?

No. Contact lenses must be removed before applying Restasis. They may be reinserted 15 minutes afterward if contact lens wear is appropriate for the patient's eye condition.

How long does Restasis take to improve dry eyes?

Improvement in tear production can develop gradually over several months. Treatment response varies, and patients should follow their eye care professional's recommendations.

References

Cyclosporine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cyclosporine. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Cyclosporine Ophthalmic. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604009.html. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

DailyMed - RESTASIS (cyclosporine) ophthalmic emulsion. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8e24af2b-bc1c-4849-94f2-6df950cdca89. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

DailyMed - RESTASIS MULTIDOSE (cyclosporine) ophthalmic emulsion. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7224d810-bb96-4682-a942-3355e6e8061a. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

RESTASIS Prescribing Information. DailyMed. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=8e24af2b-bc1c-4849-94f2-6df950cdca89&type=display. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.