Actress And TV Star Kyle Richards Diagnosed With A Type Of Chronic Dry Eye Disease

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TV personality, fashion entrepreneur and star of the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Kyle Richards is partnering with Allergan, the makers of RESTASIS® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%, to raise awareness of Chronic Dry Eye. As many as 25 million people in the United States report suffering from dry eye.ⁱ Richards was diagnosed with a type of Chronic Dry Eye disease and was prescribed RESTASIS®, the first and only prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that helps eyes' natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by the inflammation caused by this medical condition. RESTASIS® did not increase tear production in patients using anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear duct plugs. For the first time, Richards is sharing her experience to encourage others to talk to an eye doctor about this health concern and treatment options. 

"A few years ago, during the filming of the 'Housewives' first season, I began to notice that my eyes were bothering me throughout the day. I started stashing artificial tears anywhere I might need them – in my purse and different areas of my house – using them several times a day for temporary relief," said Kyle. "The condition seemed to worsen over time, so I finally decided to see my eye doctor. I was surprised to find out that my eyes were not producing enough tears, and I had Chronic Dry Eye disease. My doctor prescribed RESTASIS® for me, and after using it daily for six months, I noticed I was making more of my own tears."

One type of Chronic Dry Eye disease occurs when eyes do not produce the right quantity of tears due to ocular inflammation.ⁱ Without enough tears, the film protecting the eye can break down, creating dry spots on the eye surface. Other causes of the disease include advanced age, contact lens wear, certain medications, eye diseases, other medical conditions or environmental factors.  

"In my practice, I see many patients with Chronic Dry Eye disease who, like Kyle, have tried to find relief with artificial tears for several years before talking to an eye doctor," said Christopher E. Starr, M.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Director of Laser Vision Correction Surgery, and Director of the Fellowship Program in Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital. "Chronic Dry Eye is a disease, and once the condition is diagnosed, there are treatment options available. For those who are not making enough of their own tears due to the underlying inflammation, RESTASIS® is a prescription eye drop used daily, 12 hours apart, twice a day that has helped my patients produce more of their own tears."

To learn more about Kyle's experience and to find an eye doctor in your area who treats Chronic Dry Eye disease, visit www.Restasis.com/KyleRichards. 

RESTASIS® Important Information

Approved Use
RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion helps increase your eyes' natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. RESTASIS® did not increase tear production in patients using anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear duct plugs.

Important Safety Information

Do not use RESTASIS® (cylosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. To help avoid eye injury and contamination, do not touch the vial tip to your eye or other surfaces. RESTASIS® should not be used while wearing contact lenses. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed prior to use of RESTASIS® and may be reinserted after 15 minutes.

The most common side effect is a temporary burning sensation. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click here for full Product Information for RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion.

About Allergan

Allergan is a multi-specialty health care company established more than 60 years ago with a commitment to uncover the best of science and develop and deliver innovative and meaningful treatments to help people reach their life's potential. Today, we have approximately 11,700 highly dedicated and talented employees, global marketing and sales capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries, a rich and ever-evolving portfolio of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and over-the-counter consumer products, and state-of-the-art resources in R&D, manufacturing and safety surveillance that help millions of patients see more clearly, move more freely and express themselves more fully. From our beginnings as an eye care company to our focus today on several medical specialties, including eye care, neurosciences, medical aesthetics, medical dermatology, breast aesthetics and urologics, Allergan is proud to celebrate more than 60 years of medical advances and proud to support the patients and physicians who rely on our products and the employees and communities in which we live and work. For more information regarding Allergan, go to: www.allergan.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward‐looking statements," including but not limited to, the statements by Ms. Richards and Dr. Starr as well as other statements regarding the safety and efficacy of RESTASIS®. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Allergan's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, general industry and pharmaceutical market conditions; challenges related to achieving regulatory approval from the FDA on a timely and cost‐efficient manner; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; inconsistency of treatment results among patients; potential difficulties in manufacturing; challenges related to new product marketing, such as the unpredictability or market acceptance for new products and/or the acceptance of new indications for such products; and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. Allergan expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward‐looking statements except as required by law. Additional information concerning these and other risks can be found in press releases issued by Allergan, as well as Allergan's public periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in Allergan's most recent Annual Report on Form 10‐K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10‐Q. Copies of Allergan's press releases and additional information about Allergan are available at www.allergan.com or you can contact the Allergan Investor Relations Department by calling 1‐714‐246‐4636.

© 2014 Allergan, Inc.
® marks owned by Allergan, Inc.

APC22UT14

SOURCE Allergan, Inc.