The Effect of Topical Cyclosporine 0.05% on Dry Eye after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of cyclosporine 0.05% for dry eye after cataract surgery. METHODS: Thirty-two newly diagnosed patients with dry eye syndrome 1 week after cataract surgery received a twice-daily treatment of cyclosporine 0.05% for one eye and normal saline 0.9% for the other. Disease severity was measured at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months by Schirmer test I (ST-I), tear film break-up time (tBUT), corneal temperature and dry eye symptom questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index). RESULTS: Both groups increased in ST-I and tBUT over time. ST-I in the cyclosporine 0.05% group showed a significant increase at 3 months and tBUT in the cyclosporine 0.05% group showed an increase at 2 and 3 months. The dry eye symptom score was significantly reduced in the cyclosporine 0.05% group. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclosporine 0.05% can also be an effective treatment for dry eye after cataract surgery.