Comparison of Topical Cyclosporine and Diquafosol in Treatment of Dry Eye

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent condition with diverse etiology and significant global burden. Cyclosporin and diquafosol are established treatments targeting different aspects of DED pathophysiology. However, selecting the optimal treatment poses challenges due to their distinct mechanisms.

Objective: The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of Cyclosporin and Diquafosol Sodium in the treatment of dry eye disease.

Methods: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with dry eye disease were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the Cyclosporin (n = 25) or Diquafosol Sodium (n = 25) group. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, Occular Surface Disease Index scores, Tear Breakup Time scores, Schirmer scores, and ocular surface staining scores, were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). The patients were treated for 12 weeks, and TBUT, Schirmer, and ocular surface staining values were assessed at Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 Weeks and 12 weeks.

Results: Both groups exhibited significant improvements in Tear Break up time values after 4 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment (Cyclosporin: p = 0.024, Diquafosol Sodium: p = 0.015). Schirmer values increased in both groups after 4 weeks and 12 weeks, with a trend towards significance (Cyclosporin: p = 0.0512, Diquafosol Sodium: p = 0.0625). Corneoconjunctival staining values (NEI Scale) significantly decreased in both groups after 4 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both Cyclosporin and Diquafosol Sodium are effective in improving tear film stability and reducing ocular surface staining in patients with dry eye disease. While both treatments showed comparable efficacy, Diquafosol Sodium exhibited a trend towards a more rapid improvement in Schirmer values. Adverse effects were minimal in both groups.