The Effects of Topical Cyclosporine 0.05% on Dry Eye Symptoms of Postcataract Surgery

Background: Dry eye disease is a common complication after cataract surgery, often impairing visual recovery and patient satisfaction. Conventional management includes artificial tears and mild corticosteroids, but their efficacy is limited. Aim: This study evaluated the effect of topical cyclosporine 0.05% on post-cataract surgery–related dry eye symptoms compared with artificial tears plus fluorometholone and no additional treatment. Methods: Sixty eyes of 60 patients who had undergone cataract surgery within the past 3 months were enrolled. After standard postoperative therapy with econopred and cravit for 1 week, patients were assigned to three groups: artificial tears + fluorometholone 0.1% (20 eyes), topical cyclosporine 0.05% starting 2 weeks preoperatively and continuing for 6 weeks postoperatively (19 eyes), and control with no additional treatment (21 eyes). Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive keratograph tear breakup time (NIKBUT), and redness score (RS) were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Results: The cyclosporine group showed significant improvements in OSDI and TMH over time, with better outcomes at 1 month compared with the other groups. NIKBUT and RS declined postoperatively in all groups, but the decrease was more pronounced in the artificial tears + fluorometholone and control groups. Cyclosporine did not improve NIKBUT or RS. Conclusion: Topical cyclosporine 0.05% demonstrated superior benefits in relieving post-cataract surgery dry eye symptoms compared with artificial tears + fluorometholone or no treatment, though larger studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.