Lifitegrast (Eye Drop)

Lifitegrast is an eye drop medicine used to treat dry eye disease by reducing inflammation on the eye surface.

Drug class	LFA-1 Antagonist
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	5%
Common Indian brands	Xiidra (limited availability in India)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Lifitegrast is used for

Lifitegrast eye drops are prescribed by ophthalmologists to help patients suffering from Dry Eye Disease.

• Dry Eye Disease: This is a common condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears they produce aren’t of the right quality. This can lead to discomfort, redness, a gritty feeling, and sometimes even blurred vision. Lifitegrast works to address one of the underlying causes of dry eye disease – inflammation.

How it works

Lifitegrast belongs to a category of medicines called immunomodulators, specifically known as an LFA-1 Antagonist. To understand how it works, it’s helpful to know a little about dry eye disease. Often, dry eye isn’t just about a lack of tears; it also involves inflammation on the surface of your eye. This inflammation can create a vicious cycle, making your dry eye symptoms worse.

Lifitegrast works by blocking a key step in this inflammatory process on the eye surface. Imagine inflammation as a chain reaction in your body. Lifitegrast steps in and breaks one of the crucial links in this chain. By doing so, it helps to reduce the inflammation that contributes to dry eye disease, which can then lead to an improvement in your symptoms and overall eye comfort.

How it’s used

Lifitegrast eye drops are typically used as follows:

• Dosing: You should instil 1 drop into each affected eye, twice a day. It’s important to follow your ophthalmologist’s specific instructions regarding the exact timing and duration of use.
• Consistency is Key: For the best results, try to use your eye drops at roughly the same times each day. This helps maintain a consistent level of the medicine in your eyes.
• Proper Instillation: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling eye drops. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and squeeze the bottle to release one drop. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Close your eye gently for a minute or two after instilling the drop to allow the medicine to spread and absorb properly.
• If Using Other Eye Drops: If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different types of drops to ensure each medicine has enough time to work effectively and isn’t washed out by the next drop.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Xiidra (limited availability in India)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

While Lifitegrast is generally well-tolerated, like all medicines, it can have some side effects. It’s important to be aware of these and discuss any concerns with your ophthalmologist.

• Common Side Effect: A common side effect reported by some patients after using Lifitegrast eye drops is a temporary bad taste in the mouth. This sensation usually passes quickly and is not a cause for alarm.
• Prescription Medicine: Lifitegrast is a prescription-only medicine. This means it should only be used under the guidance and prescription of a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
• Limited Availability in India: Please note that while Lifitegrast (brand name Xiidra) is mentioned here for educational purposes, its availability in India is currently limited. Your ophthalmologist can advise you on approved and readily available alternatives that are suitable for your condition.
• General Eye Drop Precautions:
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after using eye drops.
  • Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination.
  • If you experience any severe or persistent irritation, redness, pain, or vision changes after using the drops, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
  • Store the medicine as directed, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
  • Do not share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

Dry Eye Disease is a very common eye condition that affects millions of people, especially as they get older. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears they do produce aren’t of the right quality. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes healthy, comfortable, and seeing clearly. They lubricate the eye surface, wash away foreign particles, and contain components that fight infection. When your tear film is disrupted, you might experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These can include a stinging or burning sensation, a gritty feeling as if something is in your eye, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision that sometimes clears with blinking, and even excessive tearing (which can be the eye’s response to irritation from dryness). Factors like prolonged screen time, environmental conditions (wind, dry air), certain medications, medical conditions, and even contact lens wear can contribute to dry eye. While it can be a chronic condition, various treatments, including medicines like Lifitegrast, can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your ophthalmologist will diagnose the specific type and cause of your dry eye and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Correctly Using Eye Drops for Best Results

Using eye drops correctly is crucial for them to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most important step to prevent introducing germs into your eyes.
2. Prepare the Bottle: If the bottle is new, check the seal and remove the cap. Do not touch the tip of the dropper.
3. Get Comfortable: You can either sit or lie down. Tilt your head back slightly.
4. Create a Pocket: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket between your eye and your eyelid.
5. Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with your other hand, directly over your eye. Look up towards the ceiling. Squeeze the bottle gently to release a single drop into the pocket you created. Try not to blink during this step.
6. Avoid Contamination: Be very careful not to let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, eyelid, eyelashes, or any other surface. This prevents germs from entering the bottle and contaminating the medicine.
7. Close Your Eye Gently: After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. Do not squeeze your eyes shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out. You can also gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute or two. This helps prevent the medicine from draining too quickly into your tear duct and potentially causing systemic side effects.
8. Wipe Excess: If any excess liquid runs down your cheek, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
9. Replace the Cap: Put the cap back on the bottle immediately after use.
10. Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine residue.

If you are prescribed more than one type of eye drop, always wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops. This ensures that each medicine has enough time to be absorbed and isn’t washed out by the next drop.

General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene and being aware of when to seek professional help are vital for your overall eye health. Always store your eye drops as directed by your ophthalmologist or the instructions on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Never use eye drops beyond their expiry date, and discard them within the recommended period after opening (typically 28 days, but check the specific instructions for your medicine). Sharing eye drops is a strict no-no, even with family members, as it can spread infections. If you wear contact lenses, your ophthalmologist will advise you on whether you need to remove them before using Lifitegrast drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. Generally, it’s often recommended to remove contact lenses before instilling eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.

While Lifitegrast is prescribed to help your eyes, it’s important to monitor your symptoms. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms such as severe eye pain, persistent redness, significant changes in vision, discharge from the eye, or if your symptoms do not improve after a reasonable period of using the drops as prescribed, you must contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of an infection, an allergic reaction, or another underlying issue that requires prompt medical attention. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are also crucial to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment if necessary, and ensure the long-term health of your eyes. Remember, this information is for general education and should never replace the personalised advice and care from your qualified eye doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lifitegrast used for?

Lifitegrast eye drops are used to treat dry eye disease. It helps reduce the inflammation on the surface of the eye that contributes to dry eye symptoms.

How does Lifitegrast work?

Lifitegrast works by blocking a specific step in the inflammatory process that occurs on the eye surface in people with dry eye disease. By reducing this inflammation, it helps improve dry eye symptoms.

What are the common brands of Lifitegrast available in India?

The brand name for Lifitegrast is Xiidra. However, its availability in India is currently limited. Your ophthalmologist can advise you on approved and readily available alternatives.

How should I use Lifitegrast eye drops?

You should instil 1 drop into each affected eye, twice a day, or exactly as directed by your ophthalmologist. Always wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye.

Do I need a prescription for Lifitegrast?

Yes, Lifitegrast is a prescription-only medicine. You must only use it under the guidance and prescription of a qualified ophthalmologist.

What are the key precautions or side effects of Lifitegrast?

A common side effect is a temporary bad taste in the mouth after instilling the drops. It's a prescription medicine, so use it only as directed. Its availability in India is limited, so discuss alternatives with your doctor. Always maintain good hygiene when using eye drops.

References

1. Lifitegrast Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information
2. Lifitegrast (Xiidra) now FDA-approved for dry eye – American Academy of Ophthalmology
3. Lifitegrast: A novel drug for treatment of dry eye disease – PMC – NIH
4. Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
5. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization

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Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.