Restasis: How much is too much?

[Sharon]

How often is it possible to use Restasis a day?
The doctor recommended 3 times a day, but I find it's not enough
and that 4 or 5 works better.
Does anyone know what the limit is
and if there could be any side effects from overuse?

[irish]

I was under the understanding that it is to be used 2 drops 2 times a day. It is a variation of cyclosporine and is given to decrease the inflammation in the tissues so that the eyes produce more drops. It is not to be used like the over the counter eye lubricants. If your eyes are dry in between restasis we are to use the other products that moisturize without any preservatives.

It takes the Restasis quite a while to decrease the swelling and inflammation so that the eyes produce more drops. The drier our eyes are the longer it takes. Irish

[cccourt1942]

Twice daily.  In between poses use you preferred OTC preservative free drops.  Personally, I use OTC drops frequently in the middle of the night! ccc

[ohiolady]

My opthamologist recommends up to four times a day for his autoimmune patients.

Anna

[Jasper]

I generally use it twice a day (morning and bedtime) although, if my eyes are exceptionally dry and burning or hurting, I use a dose in between, but this is rare.

My friend who has Sjogren's Disease and Corneal Melt uses it 4 times a day per doctor's orders.

[Sharon]

Thank you all for your responses.

Irish & ccc- The lubricant eye drops don't do a thing for my severe inflammatory eye symptoms
which are quite painful. Last time I spoke with my eye doctor he suggested 3 times a day, but sometimes only 4 truly gets me through the day.

Anna & Jasper- Thanks! It's good to know 4 times is also approved by some doctors.
I just wonder about the possible side effects from the Restasis.
Does anyone know if it affects the skin around the eyes?