Ciclosporin use in dry eye disease patients

Background: Dry eye disease is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in eye care, and inflammation is a frequent finding. Ciclosporin has long been used systemically to decrease the deleterious effects of inflammation. Ciclosporin is a calcineurin inhibitor that acts by primarily blocking the action of T cells, decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and preventing the apoptosis of goblet cells. Objective: This article reviews the clinical trials and safety profile of an ophthalmic preparation of ciclosporin in the treatment of dry eye. Results/conclusion: Clinical trials have demonstrated that ciclosporin minimizes the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease and is not associated with any significant systemic or ocular adverse reaction.