Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the development of dry eye type symptoms after cataract extraction and to assess the efficacy of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% in the amelioration of these symptoms.
Methods: :
30 female patients greater than 60 years old who were on no topical ophthalmic medication were randomized into two treatment groups. The cyclosporine emulsion group began cyclosporine drops twice a day for one month prior to surgery and one month following clear corneal cataract surgery. The placebo group used the emulsion vehicle of cyclosporine on the same regimen. All patients completed quality of life questionnaires prior to initiating treatment and then one week and one month after surgery. All patients received the identical perioperative medical treatment regimen of topical antibiotics, steroids and non–steroidals.
Results: :
Both groups of patients experienced more burning of the eyes and foreign body sensation one week after surgery than at baseline with no statistically significant differences. At one month after surgery, the cyclosporine treated patients experienced less burning and foreign body sensation than the vehicle treated group.
Conclusions: :
Topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion can reduce the frequent symptoms of burning and foreign body sensation after routine cataract extraction.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • cataract • cyclosporine