• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Johns Hopkins Lupus Center

Show Search
Hide Search
  • About The Center
    • Meet Dr. Petri
  • Lupus Primer
    • Basics of Lupus
    • Causes of Lupus
    • Lupus Signs, Symptoms, and Co-occuring Conditions
    • How is lupus diagnosed?
    • How Lupus Affects the Body
    • Lifestyle and Additional Information
    • Lupus Disease Eduation Video Series
  • Lupus Tests
    • Antiphospholipid Antibodies
    • Lupus Blood Tests
    • Screening Laboratory Tests
    • Other Clinical Tests
  • Lupus Treatment
    • Lupus Medications and Treatment Options
    • Common Medications for Other Conditions in People with Lupus
  • Appointment Information
Home / Lupus Treatment / Common Medications for Other Conditions in People with Lupus / Restasis (Dry Eye Medication)

Restasis (Dry Eye Medication)

Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion

Restasis is a medication used to treat eye symptoms related to Sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva do not function correctly. About 1 in every 10 people with lupus has Sjogren’s syndrome, but Sjogren’s can also affect people who do not have lupus. People with Sjogren’s often experience dryness of the eyes and mouth, and often they feel a gritty or sandy sensation in their eyes, especially in the morning. This dryness occurs because the immune system has begun to attack the moisture-producing glands of the eyes and mouth (the lacrimal and parotid glands, respectively), resulting in decreased tears and saliva.

Restasis is an immunosuppressive medication that works to reduce inflammation in the tear glands, helping to prevent further damage. Some people also report recovered tear production after using this medication for long periods of time. Yet, it is important to remember that it may take several weeks for your Restasis treatment to produce a therapeutic effect, and it may even take up to 6 months for you to feel the maximum benefit. Some people report that they stopped using their Restasis eye drops because they felt they were not working properly. However, remember that Restasis is used not to produce tears or wetness in your eyes, but rather to prevent further damage to your tear glands. Therefore, it is very important that you continue taking your Restasis eye drops as directed by your doctor, unless she/he decides they are ineffective. Your doctor may also prescribe lubricating eye drops (“artificial tears”) to help ease the every day discomfort of dry eyes. Restasis is generally safe and well-tolerated, but if you experience any serious discomfort (i.e., more than just a slight burning of the eyes), contact your doctor.

Restasis is not allowed in people with a history of serious eye infections. If you develop an eye infection, see your eye doctor immediately.

Receive the Latest News from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology

Receive the Latest News from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology.

Interested In

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Use of this Site

All information contained within the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center website is intended for educational purposes only. Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained within this site. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.

Primary Sidebar

  • Anticoagulants
  • Antidepressants
  • Antiplatelet Medications (“Platelet Antagonists”)
  • Aspirin
  • Blood Pressure Medications (Anti-hypertensives)
  • Cholesterol Medications (Statins)
  • Fibromyalgia Medications
  • Gastrointestinal Medications
  • Osteoporosis Medications (Bisphosphonates)
  • Restasis (Dry Eye Medication)

Footer

Johns Hopkins Rheumatology

  • Johns Hopkins Rheumatology
  • Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
  • Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center
  • Johns Hopkins Myositis Center
  • Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center
  • Johns Hopkins Sjögren’s Syndrome Center
  • Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
U.S. News and World Report Rankings Badge

Johns Hopkins Medicine

© 2023 Johns Hopkins Lupus Center
Patient Privacy