Do your eyes always get dry? Let's learn about Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion!

Sometimes our eyes feel incredibly dry with pain, burning, and itching, right? It's like a grain of sand is stuck inside the eye. We call this 'Dry Eyes' or dry eyes. The main reason for this can be inflammation in your eyes. So, today we are talking about a special medicine that treats dry eyes caused by this kind of inflammation.

What exactly is this drug called Cyclosporine?

Simply put, Cyclosporine is a special type of eye drop that helps increase the production of tears in your eyes. This is not a regular eye drop that you can just buy at the pharmacy. This is a medication that must be prescribed by a doctor, and it helps control inflammation in the eyes and help them produce tears naturally. You may have seen it under brand names like ``Restasis`` or ``Verkazia``.

This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called `(immunosuppressant)`. That is, it is a medicine that controls the activity of the body's immune system to some extent. When the eyes become dry, the immune system becomes overactive and affects the glands that produce tears in the eyes. This medicine controls that unnecessary activity and helps restore tear production. Medically, this condition is called `(keratoconjunctivitis sicca)`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you currently have an eye infection: This medicine is not recommended for use when there is an active infection.
• If you have previously had a herpes infection of the eye (herpes keratitis): It is very important to be aware of this.
• If you wear contact lenses: You need to get special instructions about how to use your contact lenses and when to apply the medication.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine called Cyclosporine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you and how to use it.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after using the medicine.

2. Shake the vial gently: Before adding the medicine, gently invert the vial once or twice. This will help mix the medicine well.

3. Prepare to apply the medication: Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger to form a small pouch.

4. Apply medication carefully: Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Doing so can transfer germs to the bottle. Put the number of drops your doctor prescribed into the bag you made.

5. Close your eyes: After applying the medicine, close your eyes for a minute or two. While doing so, gently press the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) with your finger. This will help the medicine spread throughout your eye and reduce the chance of it running down your throat.

6. Throw away immediately: These vials are for single-use only. Therefore, throw away the vial along with the remaining medicine as soon as you finish using it. Do not keep it for later use.

7. Use it on time: Use the medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by the doctor.

What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

What if the medicine is used too much?

If you think you have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• Regular checkups: Go get your eyes checked as your doctor recommends.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, do not apply this medication while wearing your lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the medication before putting your lenses back in.
• Artificial Tears: If you use artificial tears with this medication, you should leave at least 15 minutes between the two types.
• If you have an eye injury: If you have an eye injury, an infection, or eye surgery, ask your doctor immediately if you should continue using this medication.

Let's also learn about side effects.

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but most people do not experience serious problems.

How long does it take for this medicine to work? Is this a steroid?

This is a problem that many people have. No, Cyclosporine is not a steroid. It is an immunosuppressant. In fact, doctors prescribe this type of medication to prevent the side effects that can occur with long-term use of steroids.

When it comes to the timing of the medication's effects, you will feel some things right away. You may feel a moisture in your eyes within a few minutes of applying the medication. However, it may take several weeks to three months to fully benefit from this medication. This is because it gradually reduces the inflammation in the eye and rebuilds the ability to produce tears. Therefore, do not stop treatment just because you do not feel much difference in the first few days. Continue using it with patience.

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