AT VILLAGE EYES OPTOMETRY
Prescription Medication
Prescription Medication (local and systemic)
Prescription treatment is selected according to the cause of your symptoms and examination findings. Local treatment acts at or near the eyes; systemic treatment works through the body. They have different roles and are not interchangeable.
Local treatment
Prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast may be considered for inflammatory dry eye. Other options target different contributors. A short course of a steroid eye drop is sometimes used for a flare, with appropriate monitoring. Steroids can raise eye pressure and increase other risks when used improperly.
Systemic treatment
Selected patients with associated eyelid inflammation or rosacea may benefit from an oral medicine. People with an underlying autoimmune condition may need systemic care coordinated with their medical specialist. These treatments are based on a specific diagnosis, not prescribed routinely for everyone with dryness.
Setting expectations
Your doctor will discuss benefits, side effects, cost and follow-up. Some medicines take time to help. Report intolerance and use medicines only as prescribed.
