Efficacy of topical cyclosporine for the treatment of ocular rosacea.
BACKGROUND
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.
Schechter
Barry A
BA
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, 1717 W. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach, Florida, FL 33426, USA. bdsch77@aol.com
Katz
Randy S
RS
Friedman
Lee S
LS
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005143:Eyelids / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012393:Rosacea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D016572:Cyclosporine