Evaluation of topical cyclosporine for treatment of dry eye disease

Pham Thi Khanh Van, Dang Thi Minh Tue

Vietnam National Institut of Ophthalmology, Hanoi Medical University

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical cyclosporine 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan) for the treatment of dry eye patients.

Methods: Prospective clinical study. 20 patients (13 females, 7 males) age 24-62 (43.8+10) were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index for symptomatic improvement, Schirmer test, tear break up time, fluorescein staining, rose bengal staining and visual acuity. Patients instilled ophthalmic cyclosporine 0.05% twice per day with artificial tear. Patients were observed for 6 months.

Results: 20 patients were in all categories of dry eye diseases. Mean Schirmer test results at baseline were 1.73+1.739mm, after 6 months treatment were 4.04+4.036mm (p<.05). TBUT was 3.9+1.892 seconds at baseline and 5.98+3.076seconds after 6 months treatment (p<.05). The fluorescein staining scores at baseline were 6.2+3.2. Scores after 6 months treatment were 4.28+2.918 (p<.05). Scores of rose bengal staining of the conjunctiva at baseline were 3.68+1.992 and decreased 1.68+1.328 after 6 months treatment (p<.05). There are not side effects in using restasis.

Conclusion: Topical cyclosporine (Restasis 0.05%) treatment appears to be associated with a cure of symptoms and signs in dry eye patients. The main outcome measure was improvement in disease.