Evaluation of cyclosporine 0.05% and artificial tears for the management of dry eye disease following cataract surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effects of cyclosporine 0.05% and artificial tears on dry eye disease following cataract surgery. Methods: This prospective, double-masked, randomized clinical trial enrolled 60 eyes of 60 eligible cataract patients who completed the study. Patients were randomized to receive either cyclosporine 0.05% or artificial tear four times daily for one month following cataract surgery. Clinical assessments included refraction, corrected distance visual acuity, tear break up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, and the visual analogue scale (VAS). An independent sample t-test was used to compare the means of the variables between the two groups. Results: Mean patient age was 64.15±9.17 (range, 45-90), of which 53% (n=32) were female. There was no significant difference in mean age (P=0.308) between the two groups. One month postoperatively, the cyclosporine 0.05% group had a significantly higher TBUT value (P=0.004). Schirmer’s result (P=0.095) and the VAS questionnaire scores (P=0.374) did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the visual outcomes (P>0.05). Conclusion: Cyclosporine 0.05% was superior to artificial tears in improving tear stability after cataract surgery in the management of immediate postoperative dry eye. It may provide a more effective therapeutic option for the management of dry eye symptoms in the clinical setting.