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This new study shows that about 2% of topical cyclosporine users (who were dry-eye sufferers) experienced remission of symptoms, for an average of 21 months after stopping therapy.
http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/17070588 (Medscape membership required)
Study shows a (small but real) chance of remission of symptoms using Restasis.
Article is available only to members, so here's an abstract:
Ophthalmology
January 2007 ( Volume 114, Number 1 )
Long-term Resolution of Chronic Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs After Topical Cyclosporine Treatment
Wilson SE, Perry HD
Ophthalmology. 2007;114(1)
Topical cyclosporine A is a proven treatment for dry eye syndrome. Most patients have improvement of symptoms after several months of treatment. In those who do benefit from treatment, most notice return of symptoms when cyclosporine treatment is stopped. However, a subset of patients who discontinue therapy after 6 months of continuous use finds complete resolution of symptoms.
The authors presented 8 patients from 2 practices who were "cured" of dry eye symptoms with topical cyclosporine. Between the 2 practices, there were 252 patients treated for dry eye; the 5 patients from one practice represented 3.9% of patients treated for dry eye, while the 3 patients in the other practice represented 1.5%. Seven out of 8 were female. Average age was 45 years (range, 32-58). One patient had a history of Sjögren's syndrome, and 2 had thyroid autoimmune disease. Since cessation of treatment, the average symptom-free time period was 21 months (range, 17-29 months). Average duration of treatment prior to cessation of therapy was 17 months (range, 6-72 months).
This report demonstrated that some patients, albeit a small percentage, can have complete resolution of symptoms after 6 months of therapy with topical cyclosporine. If a patient attains complete resolution of symptoms and has been treated for 6 months or longer, the authors recommended considering a trial off the medication.
http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/17070588 (Medscape membership required)
Study shows a (small but real) chance of remission of symptoms using Restasis.
Article is available only to members, so here's an abstract:
Ophthalmology
January 2007 ( Volume 114, Number 1 )
Long-term Resolution of Chronic Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs After Topical Cyclosporine Treatment
Wilson SE, Perry HD
Ophthalmology. 2007;114(1)
Topical cyclosporine A is a proven treatment for dry eye syndrome. Most patients have improvement of symptoms after several months of treatment. In those who do benefit from treatment, most notice return of symptoms when cyclosporine treatment is stopped. However, a subset of patients who discontinue therapy after 6 months of continuous use finds complete resolution of symptoms.
The authors presented 8 patients from 2 practices who were "cured" of dry eye symptoms with topical cyclosporine. Between the 2 practices, there were 252 patients treated for dry eye; the 5 patients from one practice represented 3.9% of patients treated for dry eye, while the 3 patients in the other practice represented 1.5%. Seven out of 8 were female. Average age was 45 years (range, 32-58). One patient had a history of Sjögren's syndrome, and 2 had thyroid autoimmune disease. Since cessation of treatment, the average symptom-free time period was 21 months (range, 17-29 months). Average duration of treatment prior to cessation of therapy was 17 months (range, 6-72 months).
This report demonstrated that some patients, albeit a small percentage, can have complete resolution of symptoms after 6 months of therapy with topical cyclosporine. If a patient attains complete resolution of symptoms and has been treated for 6 months or longer, the authors recommended considering a trial off the medication.
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