The new preservative-free and multi-dose bottle is claimed to be the only FDA approved treatment that will help patients with chronic dry eye to produce more of their own tears.

Restasis Multidose features patented unidirectional valve and air filter technology, which helps to avoid the use of a preservative.

The new multi-dose bottle is said to use less plastic than a package of single-use vials.

According to the company, Restasis did not increase tear production in patients using anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear duct plugs.

Dry eye is a chronic disease, which can caused by advanced age, contact lens wear, certain medications, eye diseases and other medical conditions or environmental factors.

Allergan chief R&D officer David Nicholson said: "RESTASIS MULTIDOSE exemplifies Allergan's commitment to innovation and customer responsiveness.

"Through our Open Science model, we drive to deliver advancements in highly engineered developments, such as the new multi-dose bottle."

In August, Allergan agreed to acquire eye care company ForSight VISION5 for around $95m.

Established in 2011, ForSight VISION5 is engaged in the development of non-invasive drug delivery products that replace eye drops and offer sustained therapy for eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and allergy.

With operations in around 100 countries, Allergan produces and markets pharmaceuticals, devices and biologic products for patients across the globe.