New drops first to treat cause and symptoms of dry eye

Patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (or dry eye) now have a therapeutic option that both relieves symptoms and treats the underlying disease. The FDA recently approved cyclosporine (Restasis, Allergan) 0.5% ophthalmic emulsion to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is believed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The company expects to launch Restasis in early April.