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Efficacy of topical cyclosporine for the treatment of ocular rosacea

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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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Authors and 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

Authors
  1. Barry A. Schechter
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  2. Randy S. Katz
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  3. Lee S. Friedman
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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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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-009-0037-2

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