Can Cosentyx (secukinumab) cause dry eyes or still leave dry eyes?
Yes. Cosentyx can be used for inflammatory conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, but dry eye symptoms can persist or show up alongside these diseases. Dry eyes are also commonly linked to underlying inflammatory eye conditions (such as ocular surface inflammation) that may not fully resolve just because you start Cosentyx.
If your dry eyes continue, clinicians usually check whether you still have active eye inflammation (not just dryness) and whether you need eye-specific treatment.
Why might you still feel “dry eyes” and stiffness even on Cosentyx?
Ongoing symptoms can happen for a few reasons:
- Your underlying arthritis or inflammation may not be fully controlled yet, or it may require more time or a dose/plan adjustment.
- Eye symptoms can be driven by inflammation that needs targeted eye therapy (for example, lubricating drops plus anti-inflammatory eye treatments if indicated).
- Some “stiffness” may come from incomplete control of your arthritis or from other non-inflammatory causes (like joints that were already damaged, tendons, or mechanical pain).
What should you do if dry eyes and stiffness are still happening?
You can take these practical steps to get the right answers:
- Tell your prescriber that you still have dry eyes and stiffness while on Cosentyx.
- Ask whether you need a referral to an eye specialist (optometrist/ophthalmologist), especially if you have redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or burning that keeps returning.
- Ask whether your arthritis is adequately controlled (your clinician may check symptoms and inflammation markers, and sometimes adjust treatment).
When should dry eye symptoms be treated urgently?
Seek prompt eye care if you have any of these: eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. These can signal more than simple dryness.
Could Cosentyx be the wrong fit for you, or could another treatment work better?
Sometimes. If symptoms persist despite an adequate course, your clinician might:
- confirm you’re responding as expected,
- address eye inflammation directly,
- or consider switching to a different biologic or adding targeted therapies for the joints/eyes.
If you share which condition you’re taking Cosentyx for (psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.), how long you’ve been on it, and your exact dosing, I can help you understand what “still symptomatic” timing and next steps usually look like.