Xiidra (Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) for dry eyes

I tried both Restasis and Xiidra, even both at the same time, for vision issues I was told were related to dry eye. I did not get relief. And my issues turned out to be something else entirely. I believe Xiidra is supposed to start working sooner than Restasis.

Yes, Xiidra is supposed to start working within 2 weeks unlike Restasis which can take up to six months.

Finally after years of dry eye, dry mouth, atrophy of pelvic area, etc. I have been diagnosed with Sjogren's. Now 3-4 more medications...waiting to see if my
dental work will get new medical coding from dental....can't afford having all dental work...all was obvious but tested negative on blood work for disease.
So diagnosed with Dystonia which I do have also, but this disease probably progressed onward because of medical not recognizing as an autoimmune disease. I do test positive for Scleraderma's Crest since 1995 with high ANA... all specialists saw roots in my mouth showing, teeth falling apart.
Need to make GOOD! out of my sad medical situation. Sjogren's Foundation in Reston, Virginia is very helpful and on the waiting list to be seen at the Baltimore Sjogren's Center at John Hopkins. We have to advocate for ourselves and others. Terrible disease with no CURE.

Have been a Dystonia Volunteer Advocate, brain donor at Mayo, patient of NIH for clinical trials of Dystonia, Biobank at Mayo. Now joined
Sjogren's and happen to live in DC. Taxation with no Representation! Just DC Representative Office that has no vote on DOD or NIH.

Need to make sure Rheumatologists know blood work may be negative but symptoms are there because 50% are negative that have disease.
Been in one if not the best medical system in the world, and now a dentist in DC said I have a systemic disease and had him get in touch with my Rheumatologist....finally at other location of Medical System...I was diagnosed...somehow need to update Medical School's training to include
Sjogren's....please do as much as you can...we do not want anyone else to go thru what we have.

Sue225 - did you continue with Xiidra? Did it help your dry eye? What type of dry eye do you have?
I received samples from my eye doctor but after four days and reading reviews decided to stop, the scariest reviews said 'experienced vision loss'! And not just the blurriness which I experience for an hour and a half after applying drops, they meant poorer vision per eye exam. My dry eye is the MGD type, so I don’t see how these drops can help unclog glands....thanks for any update.

The drops are in the medicine cabinet unopened. I was also given a script for Lotomax (a steroid) to take along with the Xiidra for the first two weeks. Right now I am dealing with another health problem and I dont feel motivated to start yet. Having had the bad experience with Restasis and having just read your message, I am feeling even less motivated.
I dont know what kind of dry eye problem. My eyes stopped producing enough tears about 40 years ago (Schirrmer's test). My first cousin has Sjogren's and there are other relatives with the dry eye problem and other autoimmune conditions. Will let you know if I begin using the Xiidra.

@sue225 Good morning I too have dry eyes I want to pass a tip that a Dr told me years ago . She said first thing in morning in the corner of eye use your finger and wipe under lower lid with small amount of pressure towards other end of eye towards ear this lubricates from the lachrymal gland the oil from the tear ducts. I have been doing this but still need drops but not as many times as I did before.

Is it as EXPENSIVE as Restasis? I can’t afford Restasis. Seems Medicare & drug plans don’t consider dry eye a serious vision issue.

I have used restates also now using xiidra find they work 100z better Use BI D was waking up with my eyes being glue shut had to use use wipes
Since using xiidra doing a lot better dry eyes no fun along with allergies

Hi have dry eyes been using Xiidra. Was waking up,with my eyes glued shut Xiidra has improved resists was good feel xiidra works best have torn corneavwithnwakingnup too fast systane during the dsy

Xiidra will pick up expenses if you cannot afford drops they send to me each month yes expensive