Eysuvis for Dry Eye Flare-Ups: What You Need to Know

Dry eye is not always constant.

For many people, it comes in waves. Periods of manageable symptoms can suddenly shift into flare-ups with increased redness, irritation, and discomfort.

That is where Eysuvis may come in.

Unlike long-term treatments, Eysuvis is designed for short-term relief during dry eye flares.

What is Eysuvis?

Eysuvis (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.25%) is a prescription eye drop approved for the short-term treatment of dry eye disease signs and symptoms.

It belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation.

But Eysuvis is not meant for ongoing, daily use. It is specifically designed for temporary flare control.

How Eysuvis works

Eysuvis uses loteprednol, a corticosteroid designed for use on the eye.

• It works by reducing inflammation on the ocular surface
• Helps calm redness, irritation, and discomfort
• Interrupts the inflammatory cycle that drives flare-ups

In simple terms:
👉 Eysuvis helps quickly quiet inflammation when symptoms spike

Why short-term steroids are used in dry eye

Dry eye often includes an inflammatory component.

During a flare:

• Inflammation increases
• Symptoms worsen quickly
• Baseline treatments may not be enough

Short-term steroid use can:

• Rapidly reduce inflammation
• Provide faster symptom relief
• Help “reset” the ocular surface

👉 This is why steroids are sometimes used as a bridge therapy

What makes Eysuvis different

Not all steroids are the same.

Eysuvis uses loteprednol, which is often described as a “soft steroid.”

Why that matters:

• Designed to be quickly metabolized in the eye
• Lower risk of certain side effects compared to traditional steroids
• Intended for short-term use with a more favorable safety profile

That said, it is still a prescription steroid and should be used only under medical guidance.

How to use Eysuvis

Typical dosing:

• 1 to 2 drops in each eye, up to 4 times daily
• Used for up to 2 weeks

Your provider will determine:

• Exact dosing
• Duration
• Whether repeat courses are appropriate

Consistency during the prescribed period is important.

When Eysuvis is typically used

Eysuvis is not a first-line, everyday treatment.

It is usually used when:

• Symptoms suddenly worsen
• There is a noticeable flare-up
• Other treatments are not providing enough relief

Examples of flare triggers:

• Seasonal changes
• Increased screen time
• Travel or environmental stress
• Contact lens overuse

What to expect

Because it targets inflammation directly:

• Some patients notice improvement within days
• Relief tends to be faster than long-term therapies
• Symptoms may return after stopping if underlying causes are not addressed

👉 It treats the flare, not the root cause

Possible side effects

Even though loteprednol is designed to be safer, it is still a steroid.

Possible side effects may include:

• Temporary blurred vision
• Eye irritation
• Increased eye pressure (with prolonged use)

This is why:
👉 It is used short-term and under supervision

How Eysuvis fits into a dry eye routine

Eysuvis is best thought of as part of a larger strategy.

• During flares: reduces inflammation quickly
• Between flares: maintenance therapies support long-term control

These may include:

• Eyelid hygiene
• Tear support
• Gland care

The bottom line

Eysuvis is designed for one specific purpose:

👉 Short-term relief during dry eye flare-ups

• Works quickly to reduce inflammation
• Used for a limited duration
• Not a replacement for daily maintenance care

For the right patient, it can be a helpful tool to regain control when symptoms spike.

A note from us

At Peeq, we’re not medical providers—but we believe patients should understand how their treatments fit together.

Dry eye is often chronic, with periods of stability and flare. Medications like Eysuvis can help during those spikes, but long-term comfort usually comes from consistent daily habits that support the eyelids and tear film.