Upneeq Eye Drops reviewed by Seattle Optometrist

Upneeq Eye Drops

If you notice one (or both) of your eye lids starting to droop, what can be done about it?  Sure, you could get a surgical consult with a ophthalmologist trained in lid surgery and plastic surgery, but for most of us that’s overkill.  Plus, every surgery has risk.  There is a new treatment, Upneeq eye drops that can help significantly.

What Are Upneeq Eye Drops?

Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.1%) is Rx-only, and is approved for the treatment of “acquired ptosis” in adults. Ptosis is the medical term for a droopy eyelid. Ptosis or “blepharptosis” typically occurs from a partial or complete dysfunction of muscles that raise the upper eyelid. Many optometry and ophthalmology clinics around the country have samples of Upneeq that you may be able to try in office.  We do have samples at our two Seattle eye clinics.

According to the Upneeq website, it is the only approved prescription medication by FDA for ptosis. While it is becoming a popular drug, it is important for users to know all about it so they can decide whether or not they want to use it.

Does Upneeq Work?

Does Upneeq Work? Here’s What Patients & Science Say

Wondering if Upneeq really delivers results? This prescription eye drop has become a game-changer for treating drooping eyelids (ptosis), offering both aesthetic and functional improvements. Let’s break down how it works, its benefits, and what the research reveals.

How Upneeq Works: Fast-Acting Eyelid Lift in Minutes

At Cannon EyeCare, here’s our proven process:

1. Baseline Photo: Capture the patient’s eyelid position pre-treatment.

2. Apply Upneeq: Administer one drop to the affected eye(s).

3. 10-Minute Results: Retake photos post-treatment—most patients see a visible lift in under 10 minutes.

• Why Patients Love It:
  No Sting, Minimal Side Effects: Well-tolerated by most, with rare reports of dryness or redness.
• Lasts 8–10 Hours: Provides all-day improvement with just once-daily use.
• Restores Symmetry: See the example above—a 1.5mm lift corrected asymmetry in a patient’s left eyelid.

Key Benefit: Upneeq isn’t just cosmetic. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that untreated ptosis can limit or block vision—making this treatment both functional and aesthetic.

Clinical Evidence: Upneeq’s Effectiveness Backed by Research

A landmark review in JAMA Ophthalmology confirmed Upneeq’s dual benefits:

• Vision Improvement: Patients saw near 3x better vision (1.8 to 5.9 points on clinical scales).

• Eyelid Lift: Significant reduction in drooping, enhancing both sight and appearance.

Why This Matters:
Upneeq’s rapid results (visible in minutes) make it ideal for those seeking quick, non-invasive solutions.

Who Can Benefit from Upneeq?

While effective, Upneeq isn’t for everyone. At Cannon EyeCare, we prescribe it only if:

• You don’t have dry eye syndrome

• Your dry eye is well-controlled (to avoid irritation risks)

Key Takeaways: Is Upneeq Right for You?

• Works Fast: Results in 10 minutes, lasts up to 10 hours.

• Dual Action: Improves vision and eyelid symmetry.

• Proven Safety: Minimal side effects for most patients.

Consult a Specialist: If drooping eyelids affect your vision or confidence, ask your ophthalmologist if Upneeq fits your needs.

How Does it Work?

The formula for Upneeq has two active chemical compounds. Their exact workings are unknown but there are some theories by different experts.

In our research, Dr. Cannon learned that one of the compounds was previously used as a nasal decongestant but has not previously been approved to treat Ptosis. Upneeq may cause the contraction of the weak muscle that causes droopy eyelids. With the contraction of this muscle, your eye will lift up automatically. Upneeq stimulates a-adrenergic receptors on the Muller muscle.

Your nervous system responds to the drug and the muscle is not in direct contact with Upneeq.

What Does Upneeq Cost?

Upneeq’s cost varies depending on insurance coverage. Here’s what to know:

• Without Insurance: Upneeq can be pricey. Check the official Upneeq website for current pricing or discounts.

• With Insurance: Some plans may cover it if prescribed for ptosis-related vision impairment.

• Purchase Options: Available at select medical providers and pharmacies. Always compare prices!

What are the Possible Side Effects of Upneeq?

There have been several medical trials that study the safety of Upneeq. One of such medical reviews studies four individual clinical trials and the side effect ratio between patients who reported side effects on Upneeq was only 0.6% higher than the ones on placebo.

Such a ratio is great and a low ratio as compared to other medication. One of the most common side effects includes punctate keratitis (focal corneal irritation). In this disorder, eyes are sensitive to light and are suffer from irritation or sensations of dryness. Other than that, you can experience an excess of redness in the white of the eye, blurriness and dryness in your eyes. However, these side effects are rare and only a small percentage (1-5%) of the population is likely experience it.

However, it is essential for patients to first consult with their doctor and discuss their medical history before they can start taking Upneeq.

Is Upneeq an Alternative to Surgery?

The most common treatment for Ptosis is corrective surgery. This surgery repositions the eyelid so that it doesn’t droop anymore. While surgery can treat the actual cause of the problem, there are several associated risks. It can also be very challenging for the doctor to perform the surgery, and as with any surgery, things don’t always go to plan.

Surgery Risks:

• Orbital hemorrhage (risk of vision loss).
• High chance of needing a second surgery.
• Long recovery time and complications.

Why Upneeq Shines:

• Non-Surgical: No scalpels, no downtime.
• Fast & Safe: Results in 10 minutes, minimal side effects.
• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than surgery long-term.

How to Use Upneeq

It is easy to use Upneeq, all you have to do is place a drop of the solution in your eye, once a day. The application is very easy and does not cause any pain.

When using the drops, you can lean your head all the way back and open your eyes to look up. Open the applicator and hold it right over your head so you can quickly squeeze the solution your eye. If you have squeezed more than needed then just blink your eye and it will rid of the excess.

You can use Upneeq occasionally or every day.

Pros & Cons Of Upneeq

Pros

• No need for surgery; FDA-approved prescription eyedrop treatment for drooping or sloping eyelids
• Effects last for up to eight hours at a time and are easy to apply with a simple eye drop once daily.
• Very effective
• Short time between first dose and seeing real results

Cons

• Requires daily eye drops, which may be an uncomfortable process for those who dislike drops
• Requires a prescription, so it’s not just something you can buy at the local pharmacy without a prescription
• Can be challenging to find in various locations.
• It’s a recurring cost unless covered by your medical insurance

Final Thoughts

Upneeq eye drops are an effective solution if you want good results and quick. But if you are looking for a long term solution then it is best for you to first consult your doctor before you do anything else. With its success rate and low side effects ratio, it is a safe alternative to surgery and can give you your desired results in the matter of a couple of minutes.