Background: The treatment of dry eyes has traditionally involved hydrating and lubricating the ocular surface, which include usage of artificial tear drops [carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)]. Corticosteroids possess potential anti-inflammatory properties, thereby used in controlling inflammation in many organs. FDA has approved the prescription of topical corticosteroids for corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory conditions such as dry eye diseases.
Aims and Objective: To compare the effect of topical CMC alone or in combination with topical corticosteroid for the treatment of dry eye in a tertiary-care teaching hospital.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with dry eye were enrolled for a study period of 1 year. Patients (n = 60) were stabilized on CMC for 2 weeks and there then divided into two groups: group I (n = 30), CMC; group II (n = 30), CMC + corticosteroid. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Diagnostic tests included Schirmers test and tear breakup time (TBUT) test. Quality of life was assessed by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Analysis was done by t test; p
Key words: Dry Eye, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Corticosteroid, Schirmers Test, Tear Breakup Time Test, Ocular Surface Disease Index
|
