Abstract

Design-To assess the efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine versus placebo in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
Methods and Result-At 2 weeks of follow-up or longer, evidence suggests a statistically significant improvement in the composite signs (standardized mean difference [SMD], −1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.82 to −0.52; I2 = 71%) and symptoms (SMD, −0.85; 95% CI, −1.41 to −0.17; I2 = 82%) after topical cyclosporine treatment for allergic conjunctivitis regardless of the dosage of treatment. There was a significant reduction (mean difference, −63.14; 95% CI, −101.62 to −20.62; I2 = 58%) in the use of steroid eye drops in patients with steroid-dependent allergic conjunctivitis. Stinging or burning sensation (odds ratio, 2.57; 95% CI, 0.18–35.76; I2 = 83%) was common in both the cyclosporine and placebo groups.
Conclusions-This systematic review suggests topical cyclosporine could be an effective and safe treatment method for allergic conjunctivitis