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

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 enroled 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 1 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.