Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Evaluation of topical Cyclosporine 0.05% in treating chronic, active ocular rosacea unresponsive to standard treatment. Methods: 55 patients placed on topical Cyclosporine for a minimum of 6 months and followed for an average of 11.8 months (range 6 to 17). Evaluation combined patient symptoms and clinical exam including supravital staining. Results: 11 patients (20%) withdrew before 6 months for poor response. 17 patients (31%) reported mild (4) to moderate (13) relief of symptoms with improvement in clinical exam. 25 patients (45%) had significant (17) or complete (8) resolution. Only 2 patients were able to discontinue medication without recurrence. 2 patients (4%) developed recurrence on treatment despite initial improvement. Among responsive patients, at last follow–up, 30 patients (71%) were off all other medications and 12 patients (29%) were still taking low dose tetracycline. Conclusions: Topical Cyclosporine is efficacious for the treatment of ocular rosacea unresponsive to standard therapy. The majority of responsive patients can eventually discontinue oral medications. Most patients, however, require prolonged treatment with topical Cyclosporine 0.05% to maintain control of the condition.
Keywords: cyclosporine • keratitis • autoimmune disease