Xiidra vs. Lacrisert for Dry Eye: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) are both prescription medications used to treat dry eyes, but they work in different ways and have different forms. Xiidra is an eye drop that you apply twice daily, while Lacrisert is a small insert placed in the eye once a day. Xiidra works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation, which helps reduce redness and irritation over time. On the other hand, Lacrisert acts as a long-lasting artificial tear, thickening the tear film to keep your eyes moist. Xiidra can cause temporary eye irritation and blurry vision, but these side effects usually go away quickly. Lacrisert can also cause blurry vision and eye discomfort, and it can be tricky to place correctly at first. Xiidra and Lacrisert are only available as a brand name medication.

Xiidra

(lifitegrast)

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Lacrisert

(hydroxypropyl cellulose)

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Summary for Xiidra

Prescription only

Xiidra (lifitegrast) is an eye drop medication that treats dry eye in adults. It belongs to a drug class called LFA-1 antagonists. It's thought to help lower inflammation and other symptoms of dry eye. Usually, you need to use Xiidra (lifitegrast) every day. You put 1 drop into each eye twice a day. Side effects include temporary eye irritation and unclear vision. At this time, Xiidra (lifitegrast) is available only as a brand medication. There's no generic version yet.

Indications for Xiidra

Dry eye

Pros and Cons for Xiidra

Pros

Works to help treat dry eye in the long run
Might be less likely to cause burning in the eyes than Restasis (cyclosporine)

Cons

Won't give you instant relief and have to take for a couple weeks before it starts working
Not approved for people younger than 17 years old

Common Side Effects for Xiidra

Eye irritation (5-25%)
Strange taste in the mouth (5-25%)
Unclear vision (5-25%)

Warnings for Xiidra

Risk of contamination

Summary for Lacrisert

Prescription only

Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a long-acting artificial tears insert that helps relieve eye dryness and irritation. It's placed between your eyeball and lower eyelid. The insert can be difficult to place, especially in the beginning, but it only has to be placed once a day unlike similar eye drops.

Indications for Lacrisert

Moderate-to-severe dry eye conditions, especially in people who don't find relief after trying artificial tear solutions first
Dry eyes caused by your eyes not fully closing (exposure keratitis)
Recurrent damage to the surface of the eye (corneal erosions)
Less eyelid closing and tear production when the eye senses something is bothering it (lowered corneal sensitivity)