Ophthalmic cyclosporine use in ocular GVHD

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical ophthalmic cyclosporine in patients with dry eyes secondary to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). METHODS: Records of consecutive patients with ocular GVHD treated with topical cyclosporine were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes of 16 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 90 days. Dry eye symptoms improved in 10 patients (62.5%), and corneal fluorescein staining improved in all eyes (P = 0.0039). Global physician impression was favorable in 12 patients (75%). Ocular burning or irritation was noted in 3 patients (19%), which improved with either continuation of cyclosporine at the current dosing regimen or reduction in dose and/or concentration of cyclosporine. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic cyclosporine seems to be safe and may be beneficial for patients with ocular GVHD, particularly those with more severe dry eyes.