The effect of intense pulsed light combined with topical 0.05% Cyclosporin A eyedrops in the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome related dry eye

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy plus topical 0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA) eye drops to treat Sjögren's Syndrome-related dry eyes (SS-DE). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized trial included, 60 individuals with SS-DE symptoms were randomized to receive topical eye drops containing either 0.1% sodium hyaluronate (Group S) or 0.05% CsA (Group C) plus IPL therapy. Before the first treatment (baseline), and at 12, 16, and 20 weeks after treatment commencement, we assessed the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, the Schirmer I test (SIT), noninvasive tear breakup time (NBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibomian gland (MG) dropout, lid margin abnormality, MG expressibility, and meibum quality. RESULTS: < 0.05), but not in Group S. CONCLUSION: Treatment with 0.05% CsA eyedrops plus IPL therapy could significantly reduce the issues and physical discomfort of patients with SS-DE. CLINICAL TRIAL: Registered on 20 July 2021, with the registration number ChiCTR2100049059.