What Is Eysuvis? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Eysuvis is a prescription eye drop used for the short-term treatment of dry eye disease. If you've been prescribed it or are wondering whether it might help your symptoms, this guide covers everything you need to know — what it is, what it treats, how to use it, what it costs, and what side effects to watch for.

What Is Eysuvis?

Eysuvis (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.25%) is a prescription corticosteroid eye drop made by Alcon Laboratories. It was FDA-approved in October 2020 and became commercially available in January 2021. Eysuvis holds a unique distinction: it is the first and only FDA-approved prescription corticosteroid specifically indicated for the short-term treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

The active ingredient is loteprednol etabonate, a soft corticosteroid that was originally developed to provide anti-inflammatory benefits with a reduced risk profile compared to older steroids. Eysuvis uses Alcon's AMPPLIFY mucus-penetrating particle (MPP) drug delivery technology to help loteprednol penetrate the mucus layer on the eye's surface and reach the inflamed tissue more effectively.

What Is Eysuvis Used For?

Eysuvis is FDA-approved for one specific indication: the short-term (up to two weeks) treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults. This means it's designed to reduce the inflammation that causes dry eye flare symptoms — such as eye pain, redness, irritation, grittiness, and sensitivity — during acute episodes.

Eysuvis is NOT intended for long-term daily use. It is not designed to replace chronic dry eye therapies like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). It's best thought of as a short-course treatment to rapidly control flares, often used alongside or as a bridge to long-term treatments.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease affects an estimated 16 million Americans. It occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include burning, stinging, grittiness, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. About 80% of dry eye sufferers experience acute flares — periods when symptoms significantly worsen. Triggers include environmental factors (dry air, wind, smoke), screen time, contact lens wear, certain medications, and allergies.

How to Use Eysuvis: Dosage Instructions

Dose: 1 to 2 drops in each affected eye, 4 times daily

Duration: Up to 2 weeks (14 days) per treatment course

Shake first: Shake the bottle vigorously for 2 to 3 seconds before each use

Contact lenses: Remove contacts before using Eysuvis; reinsert 15 minutes after

Multiple eye drops: Wait at least 5 minutes between Eysuvis and any other eye drops

Missed dose: Take the missed dose when you remember; do not double up

Storage: Store upright at room temperature (59–77°F / 15–25°C); do not freeze; keep cap on when not in use

How Long Until Eysuvis Works?

In clinical trials, patients using Eysuvis showed statistically significant reduction in ocular discomfort severity (ODS) as early as Day 4. Improvements continued through the full 15-day treatment period. Eye redness (conjunctival hyperemia) also showed significant improvement at Day 15 compared to placebo. This rapid onset — as early as Day 4 — is one of Eysuvis's key advantages over chronic dry eye therapies, which can take 3-6 months.

Is Eysuvis a Controlled Substance?

No. Eysuvis is not a controlled substance and is not assigned a DEA schedule. It is a prescription medication (Rx only) but does not have the special prescribing, dispensing, or refill restrictions associated with controlled substances. However, each prescription and renewal requires a physician examination per prescribing information.

What Does Eysuvis Cost?

The retail cash price for Eysuvis ranges from approximately $529 to $687 per 8.3 mL bottle. There is no generic version available as of 2026. However, significant savings are available:

Alcon Patient Access Program: As little as $30 (insured) or $79 (uninsured/not covered)

GoodRx: ~$514 | SingleCare: ~$479

Alcon Cares PAP: Free for eligible low-income/uninsured patients

Key Safety Points to Know

Do NOT use if you have a viral eye infection (herpes simplex, vaccinia, varicella) or fungal/mycobacterial eye infection

Tell your doctor if you have a history of elevated eye pressure or glaucoma

The most common side effect is instillation site pain (5% of patients in trials)

BAK preservative can absorb into soft contact lenses — always remove contacts before use

Where to Get More Information

For a detailed explanation of how Eysuvis works at the molecular level, see our post on Eysuvis mechanism of action. If you're having trouble finding Eysuvis at a pharmacy near you, visit medfinder.com to locate which pharmacies have it in stock.