Efficacy of topical cyclosporine for the treatment of ocular rosacea.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

This study was designed to compare the efficacy of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% with an artificial tear solution for the treatment of rosacea-associated eyelid and corneal pathology.

METHODS:

Double-masked, randomized, 3-month clinical trial of 37 patients with rosacea-associated eyelid and corneal changes (defined as lid margin telangiectasia, meibomian gland inspissation, and/or fullness of the lid margin). All findings were standardized and compared to photographs for grading.

RESULTS:

There was a statistically significant increase in Schirmer (with anesthesia) scores of 2.7+/-2.2 mm after 3 months of treatment in the topical cyclosporine group (P<0.001), compared with a mean decrease of -1.4+/-4.6 mm (P=0.271) in the artificial tears group. The mean tear break-up time score significantly improved in the topical cyclosporine group (mean increase of 3.56+/-1.5 seconds, P<0.001), but worsened in the control group, although this change was not significantly significant (mean decrease of -0.04+/-1.6 seconds, P=0.929). The topical cyclosporine group exhibited a significantly greater mean reduction in corneal staining scores (-1.3+/-0.53) compared with the control group (-0.2+/-0.83; between groups P<0.001). The topical cyclosporine group had a greater improvement in Ocular Surface Disease Index scores than those using artificial tears (P=0.022). Limitations of the study included an older, predominantly Caucasian patient population and short trial length.

CONCLUSIONS:

Topical cyclosporine 0.05% is more effective than artificial tears for the treatment of rosacea-associated lid and corneal changes.

• Authors: Barry A Schechter, Randy S Katz, Lee S Friedman
• Journal: Advances in therapy (Adv Ther) Vol. 26 Issue 6 Pg. 651-9 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 0741-238X [Print] United States
• PMID: 19551353 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Cyclosporine

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Aged
• Cornea (pathology)
• Cyclosporine (administration & dosage)
• Double-Blind Method
• Eyelids (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Rosacea (drug therapy, pathology)