What are cyclosporine eyedrops (Restasis), how do they work and what are the risks/benefits of using them?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: What are cyclosporine eyedrops (Restasis), how do they work and what are the risks/benefits of using them?

Answer: Cyclosporine eye drops are a drop that we put in our eye that has an active ingredient. It's different than artificial tears in that it has been shown to reduce the inflammation that goes on in the eyes as well as improve the tear production.

Now, it's different than eye drops but both of them work very well. Over a period of 12 weeks, two groups found improvement but the cyclosporine did do better in those two areas that I mentioned.

The risks are very small. People have been using these products for months and even years. And because it's such a low concentration, it's hard to even measure it being absorbed in the body outside the eye. So it's a safe product to use. It is unique. It is a prescription item, you're doctor will be having to prescribe it for you. But if it's prescribed for you, I do think it can benefit you.