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Efficacy of topical cyclosporine for the treatment of ocular rosacea

Advances in Therapy volume 26, pages 651–659 (2009)Cite this article

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.

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Affiliations

  1. Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, 1717 W. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach, Florida, FL, 33426, USA

    Barry A. Schechter, Randy S. Katz & Lee S. Friedman

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  1. Barry A. Schechter
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  2. Randy S. Katz
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Correspondence to Barry A. Schechter.

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Schechter, B.A., Katz, R.S. & Friedman, L.S. Efficacy of topical cyclosporine for the treatment of ocular rosacea. Adv Therapy 26, 651–659 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-009-0037-2

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Keywords

  • artificial tears
  • cyclosporine
  • meibomian gland
  • ocular rosacea
  • telangiectasia