Effectiveness of 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops for dry eye disease in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: a prospective, parallel-group cohort study

BackgroundThyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is frequently accompanied by dry eye disease (DED), which can lead to ocular surface damage and decreased visual quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA) eye drops in the treatment of TAO-related DED.MethodsThis prospective, parallel-group cohort study included 86 participants diagnosed with TAO-related DED. Participants were divided into either the CsA group (n = 43) or the control group (n = 43). The CsA group received 0.05% CsA eye drops (twice daily), and control group received polyethylene glycol eye drops (four times daily). Ocular parameters were assessed pre-treatment and at 1, 2, and 3 months post-treatment.ResultsAfter 3 months of treatment, the CsA group demonstrated significantly better outcomes than the control group in ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores, fluorescein tear breakup time (FBUT), and Schirmer I test (SIT) values (all P < 0.05), with between-group differences emerging as early as month 1. Corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) scores also showed significantly greater improvement in the CsA group (P < 0.05). Both groups exhibited comparable improvements in tear meniscus height (TMH) and ocular redness scores over time (P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse events was low in both groups, with all events being mild.Conclusion0.05% CsA eye drops were associated with improvement in tear film stability, tear secretion, and corneal epithelial integrity in participants with TAO-related DED, and were well tolerated over the 3-month follow-up period.