Do you also have dry eyes all day long, a gritty feeling like there are grains of sand stuck inside, or just red and irritated eyes? Do you feel like this condition gets worse especially after staring at the computer or phone for a long time and then getting up? This is a problem that many people have. We call this "Dry Eye Disease". So today we are talking about a special eye drop that doctors often recommend to treat this condition. That is Lifitegrast.
Simply put, what is Lifitegrast?
Lifitegrast (li-fi-te-grast) is a special medication used to treat dry eyes and the associated inflammation. You may have heard of it from your doctor under the brand name `Xiidra`. This is not just an eye drop that moistens your eyes. This medication does something much deeper than that.
Simply put, our eyes become dry when we either produce less tears or when the quality of the tears we produce decreases. Sometimes, certain activities in our body's own immune system can cause a subtle swelling, or inflammation, inside the eye. This inflammation prevents the tear-producing glands from working properly. That's what Lifitegrast is used to treat.
How does this medicine work inside the eye?
To understand this, let's talk about a little science in a simple way. Don't worry, I'll explain this in a way that's easy for you to understand.
Our body's immune system is like an army that protects a country. When infections and germs come, this army fights and protects us. A special type of soldier in this army is called lymphocytes.
But sometimes, this immune system becomes overactive. In dry eye disease, these lymphocytes join with other cells on the surface of the eye to cause unnecessary inflammation. This inflammation interferes with tear production.
Lifitegrast works by stopping those lymphocytes from interacting with other cells on the surface of the eye. In other words, it stops the "handshake" between those two cells. This controls the unnecessary inflammation. When the inflammation subsides, the tear glands can work freely again and provide the eye with the moisture it needs.
The most important thing is that since this affects the immune system, you may not see results right away when you start using the medicine. It will take a few weeks for your dry eyes to subside and you will start to feel relief. Therefore, you should definitely use it for the duration prescribed by your doctor.
Is this a type of steroid?
No. This is a problem for many people. Lifitegrast is not a steroid. Steroid eye drops are also used to reduce inflammation, but they can cause side effects such as increased eye pressure (glaucoma) and cataracts when used long-term. Lifitegrast is a non-steroid drug that works in a different way. Therefore, doctors recommend this drug when it is necessary to minimize the use of steroids.
How to use the medicine correctly?
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 with soap. The eyes are a very sensitive area, so it is essential to keep them clean.
2. Lifitegrast comes in small, individually packaged containers (single-use containers). Break one of them.
3. Tilt your head back a little and look up. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. It will form a small pouch.
4. When applying the drops, do not touch the tip of the container to your eye, eyelid, or finger. Doing so may introduce germs.
5. Put one drop of medicine inside the bag you made.
6. Then slowly close your eye and roll your eyeball a little as if you are looking inward. This will help the medicine spread throughout the eye.
7. Your doctor will tell you to use this twice a day (morning and evening, 12 hours apart). Do it that way. Never use more than the doctor tells you to.
8. Even if you feel better in a few days, take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by the doctor.
What if I wear contact lenses?
This is very important. If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them before applying the medicine to your eyes. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the medicine before putting them back in.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your medicine, take the next dose 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.
Side effects and things we should be concerned about
Like any medicine, some people may experience minor side effects from Lifitegrast. Most of these are not serious, but there are some things we should be aware of.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing or a feeling of tightness in the chest. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Eye discomfort | A slight burning sensation, stinging or discomfort in the eyes immediately after applying the medicine. (This usually goes away after a while) |
| Taste changes (Dysgeusia) | Feeling a strange, metallic taste in the mouth. |
| Vision changes | A temporary change, such as blurred vision, immediately after applying the medicine. |
| Headache | Some people may experience headaches. |
Things to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before you are prescribed Lifitegrast, be sure to tell your doctor about the following:
- If you have an allergy to Lifitegrast, any other medicine, or food.
- This is a must-mention if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
- Give your doctor a complete list of other medications, herbal remedies, and vitamins you are taking.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally overdosed on this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Lifitegrast is a special non-steroidal eye drop that treats dry eye disease.
- This is done to control unnecessary inflammation in the eye and restore tear production.
- When using the medicine, use it exactly as your doctor tells you, for the full duration of the prescribed period.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them 15 minutes before applying the medication, and reinsert them 15 minutes after applying the medication.
- Inform your doctor about any other illnesses, allergies, and medications you are taking.
- If a serious side effect (swelling, difficulty breathing) occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
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