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Dry eye disease is one of the most common ocular conditions worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that over 16 million Americans have been formally diagnosed, though the actual prevalence may be double that due to underreporting.

Getting lasting relief from dry eyes takes more than just using regular eye drops. Restasis is a prescription treatment that helps reduce the inflammation causing dry eyes–not just the symptoms. But to get the best results, it’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and use it consistently.

This guide explains how to use your Restasis dosage correctly, what to expect during treatment, and simple tips to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Key Takeaways

  • Restasis is specifically indicated for increasing tear production in people whose dry eye is caused by inflammation, a condition affecting both the cornea and conjunctiva.
  • Cyclosporine 0.05% is the active agent that improves tear gland function. The medication works gradually and may take several weeks to months before noticeable symptom relief is experienced.
  • Restasis comes in preservative-free single-use vials and a multi-dose bottle. Both formats are equally effective and safe, with specific handling instructions to maintain sterility and proper use.
  • Whether using the vial or the bottle, steps like washing hands, avoiding contact with the dropper tip, and closing the eye after instillation are essential.
  • Artificial tears can still be used but should be timed carefully. To avoid interference with the medication, at least a 15-minute gap is recommended between Restasis and any eye lubricating drops.
  • Contact lenses should be removed before using Restasis and can be reinserted after at least 15 minutes.

What is Restasis used for?

Restasis is a prescription eye drop that helps reduce chronic inflammation in your tear-producing glands. Unlike artificial tears, which only provide short-term relief, Restasis works on the root cause of dry eye to support long-term tear production.

The FDA specifically approved Restasis to increase tear production in people with dry eye disease caused by inflammation, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. As a result, you may experience dryness, irritation, redness, and sometimes a gritty or burning sensation. It affects both the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and the conjunctiva (the thin layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids).

However, if you’re already using other anti-inflammatory eye drops (like steroids or NSAIDs) or punctal plugs (tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to prevent drainage), adding Restasis may not lead to noticeable improvement.

What are the ingredients in Restasis?

The active ingredient in Restasis is cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%. This means that each mL of Restasis contains 0.5 mg of cyclosporine, the agent that helps reduce inflammation in the tear glands and improve natural tear production over time.

Inactive ingredients include:

    • Glycerin
    • Castor oil
    • Polysorbate 80
    • Carbomer copolymer type A
    • Purified water
    • Sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH)

These ingredients help stabilize the emulsion and make it safe for use in the eyes.

What are the available Restasis dosage forms?

Single-Use Eye Drop Vials | What are the available Restasis dosage forms?

Restasis is available in two forms:

    • Single-use vials (Restasis®)
    • Multi-dose bottle (Restasis MultiDose®)

Both are sterile and preservative-free.

The single-use vials are packaged in a tray, with either 30 or 60 vials per tray. These vials are made of soft, squeezable LDPE plastic, so you can easily apply the drops. The multi-dose bottle is also made from LDPE, offering the same easy-to-use, flexible design.

Restasis Dosage Instructions

The dosage schedule for both Restasis single-use vials and multi-dose bottles is the same. You should apply one drop in each affected eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next one. In that case, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular routine. Don’t double up to make up for it.

Keep using Restasis as prescribed, even if your symptoms start to improve. Consistency matters. Some people begin to notice better tear production after about 3 months, while others see more noticeable results around 6 months. Your experience may vary.

How to use Restasis eye drops for dry eyes?

Woman applying eye drops

Both versions of Restasis contain the same concentration of cyclosporine (0.05%) and are equally effective when used as directed. The primary difference lies in their packaging and usage.

Using Restasis Vials

For effective use, follow the instructions below:

  • Step 1: Wash Your Hands

    Before anything else, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a clean towel to avoid transferring dirt or germs to your eyes.

  • Step 2: Gently Mix the Vial

    Take one Restasis vial and turn it upside down a few times to gently mix the contents. Do not shake it. The medication is an emulsion and may look cloudy, this is normal.

  • Step 3: Open the Vial

    Twist off the top of the vial by holding the body and twisting the tip. Make sure you don’t touch the opening to avoid contamination. Important note: The vial should be used immediately after opening.

  • Step 4: Tilt Your Head Back

    Look upward and tilt your head slightly back. This helps position your eye correctly to receive the drop.

  • Step 5: Pull Down Your Lower Eyelid

    With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.

  • Step 6: Apply One Drop

    Hold the vial above your eye and squeeze out one drop into the pocket of your lower eyelid. It’s important not to let the tip of the vial touch your eye or lashes to avoid eye injury, infection, or contamination.

  • Step 7: Close Your Eye Gently

    After applying the drop, close your eye gently and keep it closed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t blink or squeeze your eyes tightly.

  • Step 8: Repeat for the Other Eye

    If both eyes are affected, repeat the same steps for your other eye using the same vial. Each vial contains enough solution for both eyes.

  • Step 9: Discard the Vial

    Once you’re done, throw away the vial, even if some medication is left. Restasis vials are single-use only to ensure sterility and safety.

Using Restasis MultiDose

Restasis MultiDose uses the same basic steps as the single-use vials, but with a few extra steps when you open the bottle for the first time.

These include:

  • Removing the clear shipping cover: Pull the clear cover straight up and throw it away. Do not use the bottle if this cover is damaged or missing.
  • Taking off the pull tab: Find the olive-green protective cap. Remove the pull tab by pulling the end away from the bottle and then turning it counterclockwise. Discard the pull tab. Do not use the bottle if the pull tab is damaged or missing.
  • Removing the protective cap: Pull the green cap straight up to open the bottle. Keep this cap for later use.
  • Priming the bottle: Hold the bottle upright and squeeze it a few times (at least until 2 drops appear) to get it ready for use. Make sure the tip doesn’t touch any surface to keep it clean.

After these steps, you can use the Restasis MultiDose bottle just like the single-use vials, one drop in each affected eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart.

After each use, push the green protective cap straight back on to close the bottle. Store the bottle upright at room temperature (59-77 °F or 15-25 °C). Keep it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Since the MultiDose bottle is designed to last up to a month, storing it properly helps keep it effective and safe to use.

Other Considerations in Restasis Dosing

When using Restasis, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Using Restasis and Artificial Tears

You can still use artificial tears for quick relief, but be sure to wait at least 15 minutes before or after applying Restasis.

Artificial tears are over-the-counter lubricants that help moisten your eyes and ease dryness temporarily. However, they don’t improve your eyes’ natural ability to make tears.

Restasis is different. It’s a prescription medication, not a lubricant. Instead of just relieving symptoms, it works to treat a specific type of chronic dry eye by reducing inflammation and helping your eyes produce more of their own tears.

Because Restasis can take a few weeks, or even months, to start working, your doctor may recommend continuing artificial tears while you’re getting started. But as you continue using Restasis regularly, you may gradually need artificial tears less often.

Using Restasis and Contact Lenses

Man applying contact lenses

You should remove your contact lenses before using Restasis and wait at least 15 minutes after applying the drops before putting them back in.

If you have decreased tear production, it’s usually best not to wear contact lenses, as they can make dry eye symptoms worse. A 2007 report found that wearing contacts is a consistent risk factor for dry eye disease. In fact, contact lens wearers were shown to have over 3.5 times higher risk of developing severe symptoms compared to those who don’t wear them.

Incorporating Blinking Exercises While on Restasis

Blinking exercises can help with dry eye symptoms. In a recent study, researchers tested whether these exercises could help people open their eyes more easily, measured by something called palpebral fissure height (PFH), and improve tear film quality, which can both be affected in DED.

The group that did blinking exercises five times a day had much better results than the group that only used artificial tears. Specifically:

    • Their dry eye symptoms improved noticeably
    • They had less eye strain and discomfort
    • Their eyes stayed moist for longer periods
    • They blinked more completely (fewer incomplete blinks)
    • Their eyelid opening improved (PFH increased)

It’s a simple and non-invasive way to support your eye health, especially if you have dry eyes.

Exercises that you could start doing include:

    • Close-pause-pause-open: Slowly close your eyes for 2 seconds, then open. Repeat this 10 times, 3-4 times per day. Helps re-engage the natural blinking reflex and spread tears evenly.
    • The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This prevents digital eye strain and encourages blinking.
    • Palming: Rub your hands together and gently cup them over your closed eyes. Rest for a minute. This can relax the muscles around your eyes and reduce stress.
    • Eye rolls and shifts: Slowly roll your eyes clockwise, then counterclockwise. Then, shift your gaze up, down, left, and right without moving your head.

Adding them to your routine may improve comfort, support tear stability, and relieve strain, especially if you’re a frequent screen user.

Wrap-up

Restasis is a prescription treatment for dry eye disease caused by inflammation. The recommended dosage is one drop in each affected eye twice daily, spaced about 12 hours apart. It is available in both single-use vials and multi-dose bottles.

Restasis can be used alongside artificial tears if needed, with a 15-minute gap between the products. Contact lenses should be removed before applying the drops and reinserted after 15 minutes.

Incorporating blinking exercises into a daily routine may enhance treatment outcomes. These exercises can improve tear film stability, reduce eye strain, and support more complete blinking, which is beneficial for those with dry eye symptoms, especially from screen use.

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Restasis for chronic dry eyes

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to ease of use, both Restasis and Xiidra are fairly similar. They’re prescription eye drops used twice a day, about 12 hours apart.

Restasis is classified as a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant. It works by reducing inflammation in the eyes, thereby enhancing natural tear production in individuals with chronic dry eye disease.

Common side effects include a burning sensation upon application, eye redness, watery eyes, eye pain, discharge, blurred vision, and a feeling of something in the eye. These effects are typically mild and temporary.

Allergic reactions to Restasis are uncommon. However, if you experience symptoms like swelling, severe itching, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.

Restasis is a prescription-only medication and is not available over the counter. Consult your healthcare provider to obtain a prescription.

Restasis is available in single-use vials and a multi-dose bottle. Both contain a 0.05% cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion and are preservative-free.

Continuous use as prescribed is important for optimal results.

Although most people tolerate the medication well, some may experience worsening redness, eye pain, or visual changes. In rare cases, serious allergic reactions may occur, such as swelling around the eyes or face, severe itching, or difficulty breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these occur or if symptoms do not improve after several weeks of use.

Sources

National Eye Institute. (2025, February 25). Dry Eye | National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye

Kojima, T. (2018). Contact Lens-Associated Dry eye disease: recent advances worldwide and in Japan. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 59(14), DES102. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.17-23685

Getting Started with RESTASIS® | RESTASIS®. (n.d.). https://www.restasis.com/about-restasis/getting-started

Artificial Tears vs RESTASIS® | RESTASIS®. (n.d.). https://www.restasis.com/about-restasis/restasis-and-artificial-tears

Arita, R., Fukuoka, S., Matsumoto, R., & Kaido, M. (2025). Effects of blinking exercises on palpebral fissure height and tear film parameters. The Ocular Surface. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2025.02.003