Restasis and plugs

[Shell259]

Hi,
Sorry as I imagine this has been questioned before.
But I have read that restasis does not improve tear production if you have plugs in place?

I was wondering how accurate this is and if anyone has any experience of this?
Is it best to give restasis alone a go first?

Just trying to figure out next steps.
Thanks

[quattroboy]

There is no actual reason you can't do both. I'm guessing you've read the page on the Allergan website?

Cyclosporine (Restasis or Ikervis in the UK) works by reducing inflammation which is common in people with Dry eye disease, the theory being by reducing inflammation the lacrimal gland will produce more tears. Also, the T Cells and cytokines which cause ocular damage are reduced.

Of course, if inflammation isn't a major factor in your dry eye than it won't help.

If inflammation is present then you really shouldn't have plugs fitted because you don't wont to trap the bad tears against the eye. The standard approach is to tackle the inflammation and then insert plugs.

Cyclosporine takes up to 3 months before it starts to work and 6 months to be fully effective. Have a google around, loads of info out there.

I've started Ikervis and a two-month course of steroids.