A Guide to Xiidra

If you’ve been prescribed Xiidra, you’re likely dealing with ongoing dry eye symptoms that haven’t improved with basic treatments.

Xiidra is one of the most commonly prescribed options for dry eye—but what exactly does it do, and what should you expect when starting it?

Let’s walk through it.

What is Xiidra?

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%) is a prescription eye drop used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

Unlike artificial tears, Xiidra doesn’t just add moisture—it targets inflammation, one of the root causes of dry eye.

How Xiidra works

Xiidra works by blocking a specific inflammatory pathway on the surface of the eye.

• It inhibits the interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1
• This helps reduce T-cell–mediated inflammation
• Less inflammation = improved tear film stability and comfort over time

In simpler terms:
👉 Xiidra helps calm the inflammatory cycle that contributes to dry eye symptoms

How to use Xiidra

Most patients are prescribed:

• 1 drop in each eye, twice daily
• About 12 hours apart (morning + evening)

A few things to know:

• Wash hands before use
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye
• Remove contact lenses before using (you can usually reinsert them after ~15 minutes—confirm with your doctor)

Consistency matters—this is not a “use as needed” drop.

How long does Xiidra take to work?

This is one of the most common questions.

What patients may notice:

First few weeks (0–2 weeks):

• Some people notice early symptom relief
• Others may not feel much change yet

1–2 months:

• Gradual improvement in dryness, irritation, or burning
• More stable tear film for some patients

3 months:

• Fuller effect for many users with continued use

👉 Some patients report relief as early as 2 weeks, but results vary.

Common side effects

Like most prescription eye drops, Xiidra can come with side effects—especially early on.

Most commonly reported:

• Unusual taste (dysgeusia)
  A metallic or bitter taste in the mouth after use
• Eye irritation or burning
  Usually temporary right after applying drops
• Blurred vision
  Short-lived in most cases
• Eye discharge or discomfort
• Reduced visual clarity (temporary)

These effects are typically mild, but if they persist or worsen, it’s important to check in with your provider.

Tips to make Xiidra easier to use

A few small adjustments can make a big difference:

• Use it at the same times each day to build consistency
• Blink gently after applying to spread the drop
• If you notice a strong taste, try closing your eyes for a minute after use
• Pair with preservative-free artificial tears if recommended by your doctor (just space them out)

What Xiidra does—and doesn’t do

Xiidra helps:

• Reduce inflammation linked to dry eye
• Improve symptoms like burning, irritation, and dryness

Xiidra doesn’t:

• Work instantly like artificial tears
• Replace the need for daily eye care habits
• Address all causes of dry eye on its own

Dry eye is multifactorial—meaning it often needs a combination approach.

The bottom line

Xiidra is designed to treat dry eye at its source: inflammation.

• Used twice daily
• May start working in a few weeks
• Full benefits often build over a few months

Like most dry eye treatments, it requires consistency and patience.

A note from us

At Peeq, we’re not medical providers—but we believe patients should understand what they’re using and what to expect.

Prescription drops like Xiidra can play an important role in managing dry eye—but long-term comfort often comes from combining treatment with consistent daily habits.