Abstract

To compare the efficacy of topical cyclosporine vs topical tacrolimus over 6 months in patients of meibomian gland disease (MGD). Methods: A prospective, Randomized Trial on 100 patients was conducted and patients were divided into two groups. Group 1: eye drops cyclosporine (0.05%) BD and Group 2: eye ointment Tacrolimus (0.03%) HS per day, both for 4 months, along with conservative management to all the patients throughout the study. Follow-up was done at 7 days, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Severity of five main symptoms was measured on a 4-point categorical scale (0–3) according to patients’ response to questions: itching, burning, foreign body sensation, dryness and eyelid swelling. Slit lamp examination was performed to assess and record the severity of seven signs on a 4-point categorical scale: MG secretion, number of plugged gland orifices, conjunctival injection, lid margin redness, lid margin debris, Tear break up time (TBUT), and ocular surface staining with fluorescein. MGD was diagnosed based on having at least two symptoms and two signs (one must be the presence of meibomian gland signs) with a minimum severity score of 2 for each.

Description