First Author: S.Lawand UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Co Author(s):
Purpose:
to evaluate the efficiency of 6 months therapy with topical cyclosporine alongside with a tear substitute, major component of which is hyaluronic acid in patients with severe dry eye
Setting:
: Ophthalmology dept., Zulekha hospital, UAE
Methods:
After obtaining a thorough history, 135 patients underwent an ophthalmic examination that included visometry, tonometry (when needed), biomicroscopy and direct ophthalmoscopy. Additionally, tear film breakup time measurement, and the Schirmer test I for quantative evaluation of the tear were conducted.
Results:
At 2 months almost all the patients experienced full relief of all symptoms whereas the rest of the patients described partial improvement and were educated additionally on the proper use of the prescribed regimen. However, TBUT and schirmer I results did not show any improvement at all although the ocular surface was evaluated as less inflamed and irritated. At 4 months all the patients experienced improvement of their condition, TBUT in almost all cases had become of normal value, whereas schirmer I results increased by 2mm in only 12 patients. At 6 months all patients experienced improvement in their condition. TBUT results were normal in 85% of the patients, Schirmer I increased by 5mm in 102 eyes, and stability of the ocular surface was subjectively determined in almost all eyes.
Conclusions:
Dry eye syndrome is a very common disease that requires the attention of all ophthalmologists. Patients suffering from such a condition might benefit from combined treatment with topical cyclosporine and hyaluronic acid during a 6 months period of time.
Financial Disclosure:
No
