Xiidra (Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) for dry eyes

Now my opthalmologist wants me to try serum tears. Not thrilled with an intravenous line to wihdraw vials of blood which are then used to create your own eye drops. But you have to keep doing this every 3 months. And I occasionally get phlebitis from needles poked into my veins. Have not said yes to this yet. Just continuing on with my Celluvisc drops.

Just trying the Xiidra...anyone experience burning and long time blurring??? Not sure how long to give this a try---and my eyes stay uncomfortable all day...

Greetings @mtpeony. It is great to see you on Connect. I was just closing up for the night and saw the word Xiidra. Until last week, I have been on Xiidra for several years. It has done a very good job of keeping my dry eyes moist and happy. Today I had to go back to another older treatment option because my insurance no longer covers Xiidra.....why???? because there is no generic.

So.....unfortunately, I feel the same way with the new/old medication. I took before Xiidra. Burning, blurring, and discomfort. Just like you, I hope my body makes some adjustments.

I think if you hang in there with Xiidra, your issues might clear up. You will make the correct decision.
May you be healthy and happy.
Chris

I was unable to use this. So, my doctor prescribed Tyrvaya nose spray and inserted plugs in my tear ducts. Voila! After years of suffering, I feel cured. Rarely, I might use Systane Complete in between the nose sprays which was 2x per day to begin. I only need it once a day now.

hi-- did the nose spray affect your sinuses? or your nose?? I'm a bit concerned to try it......

thanks for your note...I'm afraid the Xiidra after 5 days was making my eyes WORSE--really hurting and not helping my blurring problem....I thought I could tough it out...but no---can't really be a good thing if it hurts that much! (and not even sure if dry eyes are the problem!) Also have seen some very bad stories about Xiidra. What is your new plan???

I have had Sjogren's for a good 40 years, I have tried everything there is to try but finally after all this time found a doctor in Frisco TX that has my eyes much, much better. She started me on Xiidra 4 months ago. I use regular eye drops first, then 10 min later put one drop of Xiidra in each eye. Immediately close my eyes for about 3 min. Then get ready for bed. At bedtime I rub tiny amount of preservative free ointment in my eyelashes. This keeps the Genteal Night-time Gel from crusting in my eyelashes overnight. I then apply a liberal amount of gel in each eye. Close my eye and gently wipe excess off. I then go to bed and I do not open my eyes until morning. Then I gently wash each eye rubbing the gel out of eyelashes then pat dry. When your eyes are as dry as ours, never rub you eyes.

Try using a preservative free eyedropper first then 5 min. later use the Xiidra. Works for me.

Eye mask at night, helps me too.