Upneeq®

Upneeq® is an FDA-approved[105] prescription eye drop used to temporarily treat acquired blepharoptosis, more commonly known as droopy upper eyelids, in adults.

As we age, the muscles that lift the eyelids can weaken, causing the eyes to appear tired, heavy, or uneven. For some people, drooping eyelids can even interfere with vision.

Unlike surgery, Upneeq offers a non-invasive option that works to temporarily lift the upper eyelids with a single daily eye drop. At WIFH, every patient receives a professional evaluation before starting treatment to determine whether Upneeq is appropriate or if another treatment option may better address their concerns.

Upneeq® contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a medication that stimulates Müller’s muscle, one of the muscles responsible for lifting the upper eyelid. By activating this muscle, Upneeq temporarily raises the eyelid, creating a more open, refreshed appearance.

The treatment doesn’t change the structure of the eyelid or permanently correct ptosis. Instead, it provides a temporary lift while the medication is active. Many patients notice their eyes look brighter, less tired, and more symmetrical after use.

Because everyone’s anatomy is different, results can vary, which is why a professional evaluation is recommended before treatment to see if you are a good candidate for Upneeq.

Upneeq® may be a good option for adults with mild to moderate acquired ptosis, especially if droopy eyelids make them look tired, older, or less alert. Some patients are bothered by eyelid asymmetry, while others notice their upper eyelids beginning to interfere with their vision.

Not everyone with heavy-looking eyelids has ptosis. Hooded eyelids, excess skin, and other conditions can create a similar appearance but may require different treatment approaches.

You may be a candidate for Upneeq® if:

• Your eyes look tired or heavy throughout the day.
• Your upper eyelids have gradually drooped with age.
• Friends, family, or coworkers often ask if you’re tired, even when you feel well-rested.
• Your eyelids appear low or uneven.
• Applying eye makeup has become more difficult because of your eyelids.
• Your eyes don’t appear as open or refreshed as they once did.
• Mild eyelid drooping partially affects your field of vision.
• You have mild acquired ptosis.
• You want to explore a non-surgical treatment before considering surgery.
• You’re looking for temporary improvement rather than a permanent procedure.

During your consultation at WIFH, one of our practitioners will evaluate your eyelids, discuss your medical history, and determine whether Upneeq is an appropriate treatment for your concerns.

One of the biggest advantages of Upneeq® eye drops is how quickly they work. Many patients begin noticing their eyelids lifting within 5 to 15 minutes after applying the eye drops, although individual results may vary.

Because the medication acts quickly, many patients incorporate it into their morning routine before work, social events, or special occasions. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what you can realistically expect based on your anatomy and treatment goals.

The effects of Upneeq® typically last up to eight hours after each application. Because the medication provides a temporary lift, the eyelids gradually return to their natural position as the medication wears off.

Upneeq is designed for ongoing use rather than providing a permanent correction. Many patients use it daily to maintain a brighter, more refreshed appearance, while others reserve it for important meetings, photographs, or special events.

Yes. Upneeq is intended for once-daily use when prescribed by your practitioner. Each daily application provides temporary lifting of the upper eyelid while the medication is active.

As with any prescription medication, it’s important to use Upneeq exactly as directed. During your consultation, your practitioner will review your medical history, discuss any existing eye conditions or medications, and ensure daily use is appropriate for you.

Upneeq comes in convenient single-use vials. After washing your hands, remove one vial from the foil pouch and place one drop into each affected eye as directed by your practitioner. Once you’ve finished, discard the vial, even if some medication remains.

Be careful not to let the tip of the vial touch your eye or any other surface, as this can contaminate the medication. Following the instructions provided by your practitioner helps ensure safe, effective treatment and the best possible results.

Yes, but you’ll need to remove your contact lenses before applying Upneeq®. After using the eye drops, wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting your contacts.

This allows the medication to be properly absorbed and helps minimize irritation. If you experience persistent eye discomfort while wearing contacts, let your practitioner know so they can determine whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are needed.

Yes. If you use prescription or over-the-counter eye drops, they can generally be used alongside Upneeq®. However, you should wait at least 15 minutes between applying Upneeq and any other eye medication.

Spacing the medications helps ensure each product is properly absorbed. During your consultation, let your practitioner know about any eye drops or medications you currently use so they can provide personalized recommendations.

Yes. Upneeq has an excellent safety profile, with clinical studies showing it to be well-tolerated and effective for most patients. For most healthy adults, daily use Upneeq® has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment when used as directed.

Common temporary side effects include mild eye irritation, redness, dry eyes, blurred vision and headache.

Upneeq can affect blood pressure and may require additional caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, blood-pressure disorders, reduced blood flow to the heart or brain, Sjögren’s syndrome, or untreated narrow-angle glaucoma. It may also interact with certain medications.

At WIFH, patient safety always comes first. Before prescribing Upneeq, we review your medical history and discuss any eye conditions or health concerns to determine whether the medication is appropriate for you. If you experience unexpected symptoms while using Upneeq, contact your practitioner promptly.

Upneeq® isn’t appropriate for everyone. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those with certain eye conditions or medical conditions, may not be good candidates for treatment.

Your practitioner will also review any medications you’re taking and discuss conditions that may require additional caution before prescribing Upneeq®.

Because droopy eyelids can occasionally be caused by an underlying medical condition, it’s important to receive a proper evaluation rather than self-diagnosing.

Yes. Upneeq® is available by prescription only and must be prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner. Before prescribing the medication, your practitioner will evaluate your eyelids, review your medical history, and determine whether acquired ptosis is the cause of your symptoms.

This evaluation is important because not all droopy eyelids are caused by ptosis. Some patients may have excess eyelid skin or another condition that requires a different treatment approach. A professional assessment helps ensure you receive the safest, most effective treatment for your specific concerns.

No. Upneeq® provides a temporary improvement in eyelid position but does not permanently correct droopy eyelids. Once the medication wears off, the eyelids gradually return to their natural position.

For patients seeking a permanent solution, surgical eyelid procedures may be recommended depending on the underlying cause of the ptosis. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether Upneeq® is the right choice or whether another treatment may better address your long-term goals.

Upneeq® pricing may vary, but at WIFH we currently offer:

• 30-day supply: $153 (save $27)
• 60-day supply: $288 (save $72)
• 90-day supply: $405 (save $135)

Because Upneeq® is a prescription medication, you’ll first need a medical evaluation to determine whether you’re a candidate for treatment.

It depends on what’s causing the appearance of your eyelids. Upneeq® is designed to treat acquired ptosis, which occurs when the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid weakens over time. Hooded eyes, on the other hand, are often caused by excess skin, genetics, or natural aging.

If your heavy-looking eyelids are primarily due to ptosis, Upneeq® may help create a more open appearance. If excess skin is the primary concern, another treatment may be more appropriate. During your consultation, your practitioner will determine the underlying cause and recommend the best option for your goals.

The most commonly reported Upneeq side effects include:

• mild eye irritation
• redness
• dry eyes
• blurred vision
• headache

These side effects are typically temporary.

Upneeq can affect blood pressure and may require additional caution in patients with:

• cardiovascular disease
• blood-pressure disorders
• reduced blood flow to the heart or brain
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• untreated narrow-angle glaucoma.

It may also interact with certain medications.

At WIFH, your health and safety are our top priorities. Before we prescribe Upneeq®, we carefully screen each patient to ensure it’s the right treatment for you. If you experience unexpected symptoms while using Upneeq, contact your practitioner promptly.

Upneeq® eye drops are a hassle-free treatment that seamlessly fit into your daily routine. There’s no downtime, and you can easily apply them from the comfort of your home without interrupting your day. Plus, you can use Upneeq® alongside other eye drops. Just be sure to wait 15 minutes after administering Upneeq® before using any other eye drops or putting in your contact lenses for the best results.

Ptosis the shortened medical term for Blepharoptosis, more commonly known as droopy upper eyelids.