United States securities and exchange commission logo November 18, 2021 Christopher Staten Interim Chief Financial Officer Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc 4301 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 400 Durham, North Carolina 27703 Re: Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 Filed February 26, 2021 File No. 001-36152 Dear Mr. Staten: We have completed our review of your filing. We remind you that the company and its management are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of their disclosures, notwithstanding any review, comments, action or absence of action by the staff. Sincerely, Division of Corporation Finance Office of Life Sciences