Xiidra

Xiidra may cause serious side effects. This medication has been prescribed because your healthcare provider has judged that the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

If you experience any of the following side effects, stop using Xiidra immediately and call your healthcare provider or pharmacist:

• vision problems
• severe eye redness or irritation.

Some of the common side effects of Xiidra  may include:

• blurred vision
• eye irritation
• an unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

If they persist or worsen, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

The lacrimal glands (tear glands and tear ducts), located above the eyeball, continuously supply tear fluid that is wiped across the surface of the eye with every blink. Excess fluid drains into the back of the nose through the tear ducts.

When testing to determine the cause of dry eyes, doctors may include:

• A full eye examination
• A measurement of the volume of tears (known as the Schirmer test or the phenol red thread test.) 
• A test of the quality of the tears, including evaporation times.
• A tear osmolarity test to measure the composition of tears. In people with dry eye disease, there will be lower levels of water in the tears, elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 or decreased lactoferrin.

Some general health factors make it more likely that dry eye disease may occur, such as:

• Age-related – people older than 50 have lower levels of tear production
• Sex-related. Dry eye disease is more common in women, especially those who experience hormonal changes due to the use of birth control pills, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Diet-related –  caused by vitamin A deficiency
• Use of contact lenses or having had corrective vision surgery in the past.