Efficacy of topical cyclosporine 0.05% eye drops in the treatment of dry eyes

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cyclosporine 0.05% in the treatment of dry-eye disease. Patients and methods A total of 35 eyes of 20 patients with dry-eye disease were included in the present study. Ten patients (20 eyes) had dry eyes associated with systemic rheumatologic disease (Sjogren's syndrome), five patients (10 eyes) had dry eyes after undergoing laser in-situ keratomileusis, and five patients (five eyes) had dry eyes after cataract surgery. Detailed history taking along with full ophthalmic examination was carried out for all patients. In addition, Schirmer's test and break-up time (BUT) test were conducted for all patients. The patients were examined for ocular symptoms of dry eyes (ocular pain, burning, and foreign body sensation). Cyclosporine 0.05% eye drops were prescribed twice daily for 3 months. The patients were followed up after 1, 2, and 3 months. Results In total, 35 eyes of 20 patients diagnosed with dry-eye syndrome were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 37.3 years (range: 26-65 years).The patients were evaluated for ocular symptoms (burning, pain, and foreign body sensation). Schirmer's paper test and BUT test were conducted for all patients. The score of ocular symptoms before the beginning of the treatment was 2.50 ± 0.46, and this score improved to 0.9 ± 0.52 after 3 months with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.01). Schirmer's paper test was performed before the beginning of the treatment, and showed a wetting of 1.15 ± 0.58 mm of the paper, and improved after 3 months to 5.86 ± 0.29 mm (P = 0.001). BUT improved from 5.57 ± 1.36 s before the treatment to 9.9 ± 0.92 s after 3 months of treatment (P = 0.001). Conclusion Topical cyclosporine 0.05% is effective in the treatment of dry-eye syndrome, which has an inflammatory cause.