Dry eye disease is one of the most common chronic eye conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people’s lives on a daily basis. Treatments for dry eye generally consist of topical lubricating drops, gels, and medications. These treatment strategies aim to supplement the eye’s natural tears, decrease inflammation, and promote natural tear production. Aside from medications applied to the eye, some oral medications and in-office treatments can be effective, however, these require more diligent follow up and longer visits with the eye doctor. Tyrvaya is a new medication for the treatment of dry eye that is neither applied to the eye nor an oral medication, and adds a new type of medication to the dry eye regimen.
Tyrvaya (varenicline solution) is a nasal spray designed for the treatment of dry eye disease. Tyrvaya stimulates the system responsible for creating our tears, as well as activating surrounding structures that aid in tear film stability. This promotes the production of high-quality tears, without the need to apply anything to the eye. As mentioned above, the mainstay for dry eye treatment involves applying medications and lubricants to the eye. As this can be helpful, many people are sensitive to, or may have trouble with eye drops and other topical applications. Tyrvaya offers a unique option to stimulate tear production without the potential consequence of irritating the surface of the eye.
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Tyrvaya is dosed as 1 spray to each nostril, twice daily, 12 hours apart. In clinical trials, patients showed a decrease in both signs and symptoms of dry eye, including less discomfort and greater tear production. Although more research needs to be conducted, these data are encouraging as we look to new treatment options for dry eye disease. The most common side effects of Tyrvaya include:
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Nose and throat irritation
If you suffer from dry eye disease and are interested in alternative options, talk to a doctor to see if Tyrvaya is right for you. For more information, see the links below:
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