A randomized double-masked study of 0.05% cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To compare the efficacy of topical cyclosporine [0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA)] and preservative-free artificial tears in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

METHODS:

A 3-month prospective, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group controlled trial enrolled 70 patients with symptomatic MGD and unstable tear film [tear breakup time (TBUT) <8 seconds]. Patients were randomized to topical CsA (0.05%; group A) and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (control; group B) instilled twice daily for 3 months. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), lid margin inflammation, meibomian gland expression, conjunctival injection, corneal and interpalpebral dye staining, noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT) using the Tearscope Plus and invasive fluorescein tear breakup time (FBUT), and Schirmer I test were performed.

RESULTS:

At the 3-month evaluation, mean OSDI, NIBUT and FBUT, lid margin inflammation, meibomian gland expressibility, and tarsal injection showed significant improvement from baseline in group A (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). In group B, only the OSDI improved significantly from baseline at 3 months (P=0.003). TBUTs (NIBUT and FBUT) were significantly longer in group A at all visits, and the mean change of TBUTs from baseline was also significantly greater in group A at 3 months (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Topical CsA 0.05% twice daily may be helpful in the treatment of MGD mainly by improving tear film stability.

• Authors: Pinnita Prabhasawat, Nattaporn Tesavibul, Wannaree Mahawong
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 31 Issue 12 Pg. 1386-93 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 1536-4798 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23135530 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Emulsions
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Rose Bengal
• Cyclosporine
• Fluorescein

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Cyclosporine (administration & dosage)
• Double-Blind Method
• Dry Eye Syndromes
• Emulsions
• Eyelid Diseases (drug therapy)
• Female
• Fluorescein
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Meibomian Glands (drug effects)
• Middle Aged
• Ophthalmic Solutions (administration & dosage)
• Prospective Studies
• Rose Bengal
• Staining and Labeling (methods)
• Tears (chemistry, physiology)
• Treatment Outcome