New Experienced staff that expedite their patient's visits and provide detailed health information. I very much enjoy my interactions with Dr. Mahboobi who always has a smile on her face and a great bedside manner:).
— Andrew Smith
Not everyone with occasional eye dryness needs a prescription treatment. Our team evaluates your symptoms, risk factors, and eye health to determine whether Xiidra is the right choice for you.
During your appointment, we ask about symptoms that point to chronic dry eye disease. Many patients describe their eyes as feeling dry, scratchy, or tired, especially after extended screen time, reading, or being in dry or windy environments.
Certain factors make chronic dry eye disease more likely to develop. We take your personal risk factors into account when deciding whether a prescription medication like Xiidra is appropriate for your care.
We perform a thorough examination to confirm dry eye disease and assess its severity before recommending treatment. These tests help us choose the most effective approach for your specific situation.
We may evaluate the volume and quality of your tears, examine the surface of your eye under magnification for signs of inflammation or damage, and assess how quickly your tears evaporate. Special dyes are sometimes used to highlight areas of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) affected by chronic dryness.
Our team typically recommends Xiidra when you have moderate to severe dry eye symptoms that persist despite regular use of over-the-counter treatments. If artificial tears, warm compresses, and lifestyle adjustments have not brought you enough relief, a prescription medication is often the next step.
We also consider prescription treatment when we see significant inflammation or surface damage during your examination. Addressing chronic inflammation early can help prevent long-term complications and meaningfully improve your daily comfort.
Beginning a new prescription eye drop can feel unfamiliar at first. Knowing what to expect with Xiidra helps you use it correctly and stay consistent with treatment so you can get the best possible results.
Using Xiidra with proper technique helps the medication work effectively and reduces the risk of contamination. Our team will walk you through the process at your appointment, but here are the key steps to follow at home.
Xiidra is used twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart. Most patients find it convenient to use the drops once in the morning and once in the evening before bed.
Consistency is important for achieving the best outcome. Using your drops at the same times each day helps build the habit and ensures the medication works as intended.
Some patients begin to notice relief within the first two weeks of starting Xiidra, but it may take up to 12 weeks to experience the full benefits. Individual responses to treatment vary, so your timeline may differ from another patient's experience.
We encourage you to continue using Xiidra as prescribed even if improvement seems slow at first. It takes time for the medication to reduce inflammation and for the surface of your eye to recover and heal.
If you forget a dose of Xiidra, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not use two doses at the same time to make up for a missed application. Using extra drops will not speed up your results and may increase the likelihood of side effects.
Xiidra is generally well tolerated, but like all prescription medications, it can cause side effects in some patients. Our team will discuss what to watch for before you start treatment so you know what is normal and when to reach out to us.
Most side effects from Xiidra are mild and tend to improve as your eyes adjust to the medication over the first few weeks. The most frequently reported side effect is a temporary taste disturbance, meaning some patients notice an unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth shortly after instilling the drops.
Serious reactions to Xiidra are uncommon, but it is important to recognize warning signs that need prompt attention. You should contact our office right away if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or signs of an eye infection.
Severe eye pain, sudden changes in vision, increasing redness, discharge, or swelling around the eye are all reasons to call us immediately. These symptoms could indicate a reaction to the medication or a separate condition that requires prompt evaluation.
Xiidra is not appropriate for every patient. Our team reviews your medical history carefully before prescribing this medication to confirm it is safe and suitable for your situation.
Because Xiidra works locally on the eye surface and very little of the medication enters the bloodstream, it has very few interactions with other drugs. Even so, our team needs to know about all medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements.
If you use other eye drops or have additional eye conditions alongside dry eye, let us know so we can advise on the right timing and order for using your medications. Waiting at least 5 to 10 minutes between different eye drops helps prevent one from washing out the other.
The safety of Xiidra during pregnancy has not been thoroughly studied, so it is important to let us know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding. Our team will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you.
In some situations, alternative dry eye treatments may be a more cautious choice during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. We will work with you to find an approach that keeps both you and your baby safe while still managing your symptoms.
Xiidra works most effectively when used correctly and consistently as part of a broader dry eye management plan. There are several steps you can take at home to support your treatment and get the most out of the medication.
Proper storage keeps Xiidra effective and safe to use throughout your course of treatment. Store bottles at room temperature, away from excessive heat or cold.
Many patients continue using artificial tears and other dry eye treatments alongside Xiidra. Using multiple approaches together often provides more complete relief than any single treatment alone.
If you use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applications. Please let our team know about all eye products you are using so we can coordinate a treatment plan that works well together.
Certain lifestyle adjustments can complement the effects of Xiidra and provide additional daily comfort. These habits address environmental factors that often make dry eye symptoms worse.
After you begin Xiidra, our team will schedule follow-up appointments to assess how your eyes are responding and whether your symptoms are improving. These visits typically take place a few weeks after starting treatment and then periodically based on your needs.
We repeat some of the same diagnostic tests performed at your initial evaluation to objectively measure your progress. Based on those results, we may adjust your treatment plan, address any side effects, and answer any questions you have about continuing care.
These answers address common questions about Xiidra that go beyond what is covered above, including practical guidance on insurance, contact lens use, and long-term treatment decisions.
Coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan. Many insurers do cover Xiidra when it is medically necessary, but some require prior authorization or may ask that you try other treatments first before approving the prescription. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your benefits and expected out-of-pocket costs. Our office can assist with providing documentation or supporting information when prior authorization is needed.
You should remove your contact lenses before instilling Xiidra and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. Using the drops with lenses in can reduce how well the medication is absorbed by the eye surface. Many patients find that contact lens comfort improves as their dry eye symptoms improve with treatment, and our team can advise you on whether continuing to wear contacts remains a good fit for your eyes as your condition responds to Xiidra.
Mild stinging or burning upon first applying Xiidra is common and is usually not a reason to stop treatment. The sensation typically lasts only a minute or two after each application and tends to diminish as your eyes adjust over the first few weeks. If the discomfort is severe, worsens over time, or does not improve at all after the initial adjustment period, please contact our office so we can evaluate whether this is a normal response or whether a different treatment approach would suit you better.
Because dry eye disease is a chronic, ongoing condition rather than a temporary problem, stopping Xiidra after your symptoms improve often leads to those symptoms returning over time. We generally recommend maintaining treatment long-term to preserve the relief you have achieved. If you are considering reducing or discontinuing Xiidra, please speak with our team first so we can create a plan to monitor your eye health and respond quickly if symptoms return.
Yes. There are other prescription treatments for chronic dry eye disease that work through different mechanisms, and our team is experienced in managing patients who do not respond well to or cannot tolerate Xiidra. If cost is a concern or if you experience side effects that make continued use difficult, we will discuss all available options and help you find a treatment plan that addresses your specific condition. A thorough evaluation guides us toward the most appropriate choice for your eyes.
Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) and meibomian gland dysfunction (a problem with the oil-producing glands in the eyelids) are common contributors to dry eye disease. Xiidra targets inflammation on the eye surface, but these eyelid conditions often require their own targeted care, such as warm compresses, lid hygiene, or additional treatments. Our team evaluates the full picture of your ocular surface health to determine which combination of treatments will be most effective for your situation.
If you are living with persistent dry eye symptoms, our experienced team at The Eye Center is here to help you find lasting relief through a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. We serve patients across Northern Virginia with comprehensive dry eye evaluations and the full range of medical and prescription treatment options, including Xiidra. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.