Ikervis (ciclosporin 0.1%) is an MHRA-licensed prescription eye drop for severe dry eye disease (keratitis) that has not improved with artificial tears. Ciclosporin is an immunomodulator: instead of simply lubricating the eye, it dampens the chronic inflammation on the ocular surface that keeps dry eye going. It is used once a night, one drop in each affected eye. Private treatment begins with a specialist dry-eye assessment from around £200, with the Ikervis drops themselves costing from approximately £72 per month. Because dry eye usually has more than one cause, Ikervis is often combined with other treatments.
What is Ikervis and who is it for?
Severe dry eye disease is far more than occasional grittiness — it is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause burning, fluctuating vision, light sensitivity and damage to the cornea. When the surface becomes inflamed, the eye produces poorer-quality tears, which causes more inflammation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.
Ikervis contains ciclosporin, which interrupts this cycle by reducing the activity of the immune cells driving surface inflammation. It is specifically licensed for adults with severe keratitis (corneal inflammation) due to dry eye disease that has not improved despite tear substitutes. It is a specialist-prescribed, longer-term treatment rather than an over-the-counter drop.
How to use Ikervis
Ikervis is supplied as preservative-free single-dose units. Your specialist will confirm your regime, but the standard approach is:
- Use one drop in each affected eye, once daily at bedtime. The slight blurring after instillation is why it's used at night.
- If you use other eye drops (such as artificial tears), leave a 15-minute gap before Ikervis.
- Remove contact lenses before use and wait until morning to reinsert them.
- Be patient — ciclosporin works gradually, and the full benefit builds over weeks to a few months of consistent use.
Struggling with persistent burning, grittiness or fluctuating vision? A specialist dry-eye assessment identifies the cause and whether Ikervis is right for you.
Book a dry-eye assessmentOther severe dry eye treatments
Dry eye usually has several contributing factors, so Ikervis is often one part of a tailored plan. Depending on your diagnosis your specialist may also recommend:
Compare in-clinic gland treatments such as LipiFlow, iLux thermal therapy and Tixel. For nerve-related surface disease, see Oxervate (cenegermin).
What to expect on Ikervis
First 1–2 weeks
A short stinging or burning sensation on instillation is common as the eye settles. This usually eases with continued use.
Weeks 4–8
Inflammation begins to reduce. Many patients notice less grittiness and more stable vision, though benefit builds gradually.
Three months
A review assesses how well the cornea has responded. Your specialist confirms whether to continue and how to combine it with other treatments.
Ongoing
Ikervis is a maintenance treatment for a chronic condition. Periodic reviews keep your dry eye well controlled.
How much does Ikervis cost privately?
- Specialist dry-eye assessment: from around £200, including tear film and ocular surface testing.
- Ikervis drops: from approximately £72 per month for the prescription.
- Follow-up review: to confirm response and adjust your overall plan.
- Insurance: some policies cover specialist dry-eye care — we can advise on eligibility.
Explore the full range of options on our dry-eye treatment cost guide.