Topical corticosteroid drops in the management of dry eye

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical corticosteroid drops for treatment of moderate to severe dry eye cases. Methods: Fifty eyes of 25 dry eye patients, who were unresponsive to artificial tears only, were treated with 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops for one week. Subjective symptoms scoring, evaluation of conjunctival hyperemia, tears break-up time (BUT), vital staining scores, and Schirmer test 1 were performed before starting steroid drops and at 1 week and 1 month after treatment. Results: All the patients had fewer symptoms as early as one week after topical steroid drops use. Objective tests were improved in all dry eye patients 1 month after treatment, and the difference was significant. Hyperemia of the conjunctiva was relieved obviously one month after treatment (P<0.05). The mean value of BUT increased from (5.13±1.82 sec.) before treatment to (6.57±1.85 sec.) at one month. The mean value of Schirmer test I was (4.63±0.94) mm/5 min. increased to (7.12±1.83) mm/5 min one month after topical steroid drops use (P<0.05). No complications were observed. Conclusion: Short course of topical corticosteroid drops can rapidly and effectively relieve the symptoms and signs of moderate or severe dry eye.