Cyclosporine offers new approach to dry eye treatment

Maui, HI-FDA approval of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion, 0.05%, Allergan, Irvine, CA), in December opened a new door for patients with dry eye disease by offering two important "firsts": the drug provides more than palliation of dry eye symptoms, and it targets the inflammation that is the underlying cause of dry eye disease. It may even effect a cure in some patients. The drug became commercially available early last month.