Restasis vs Eylea
A side-by-side look at two eye health medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Restasis | US Eylea | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion | aflibercept |
| Drug class | Calcineurin Inhibitor (Eye Drop) | VEGF Inhibitor (Eye Injection) |
| Treats | Chronic dry eye | Wet macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease |
| Category | Eye Health | Eye Health |
| Manufacturer | AbbVie (Allergan) | Regeneron |
| Year approved | 2003 | 2011 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $100M | $90M |
| Common side effects | Burning sensation, Eye redness, Watery eyes, Blurred vision | Eye floaters, Eye pain, Increased eye pressure, Bleeding in the eye |
Frequently asked questions
Is Restasis or Eylea better?
Neither is universally "better." Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) and Eylea (aflibercept) are both used for eye health, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Restasis and Eylea?
Restasis is a Calcineurin Inhibitor (Eye Drop) made by AbbVie (Allergan), while Eylea is a VEGF Inhibitor (Eye Injection) made by Regeneron. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Restasis has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.