Lifitegrast: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your eyes feel gritty, tired, or constantly dry, it’s not just discomfort—it’s often lifitegrast, a prescription eye drop designed to reduce inflammation in the eye by blocking a key immune signal called LFA-1. Also known by its brand name Xiidra, it’s one of the few treatments that targets the root cause of dry eye, not just the symptoms. Unlike artificial tears that just add moisture, lifitegrast works on the body’s own immune response, which can turn against the eye’s surface over time.

This isn’t just about lubrication. Chronic dry eye is linked to ocular inflammation, a persistent immune reaction that damages the tear-producing glands and the surface of the eye. Studies show that up to 85% of people with dry eye have some level of this inflammation, even if they don’t feel it. Lifitegrast blocks the interaction between two immune cells—T-cells and the eye’s surface—preventing them from sending out signals that cause redness, burning, and sensitivity to light. It’s not a quick fix; most people notice improvement after 2 to 4 weeks, with full results taking up to 12 weeks.

It’s not for everyone. If you’re using other eye drops, you’ll need to space them out by at least 15 minutes. Some users report a temporary bitter taste or eye irritation right after applying it—unpleasant, but not dangerous. What matters is whether it stops the cycle of damage. For people who’ve tried lubricants, warm compresses, and even steroid drops without lasting relief, lifitegrast offers a different path: one that treats the disease, not just the feeling.

Related conditions like dry eye syndrome, a chronic condition affecting millions, often linked to aging, screen use, or autoimmune disorders, are rising. With more people spending hours on screens and fewer getting enough blinking breaks, the need for targeted treatments like lifitegrast is growing. It’s not a cure, but for many, it’s the first treatment that actually changes how their eyes feel over time.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve used lifitegrast, comparisons with other dry eye treatments, and tips on managing side effects—everything you need to know before you start, or if you’re already on it and wondering if it’s working.