Topical cyclosporine applied after LASIK can restore corneal sensitivity sooner

Topical cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis, Allergan) following LASIK can significantly improve corneal sensitivity, possibly by accelerating corneal nerve regeneration in the LASIK flap, reported Gholam A. Peyman, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona, Tucson.

In a prospective, randomized, single-center study, 38 eyes of 19 patients were enrolled, Dr. Peyman said during an Innovator's Session. The study eye of each patient received one drop of topical cyclosporine b.i.d. with standard postoperative medications. The patient's control eye only received the standard postoperative medications, not the topical cyclosporine.

Corneal sensitivity was measured with the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer at four time periods (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postop). Nine different areas of the cornea were assessed: four untreated quadrants outside of the corneal flap and five areas within the flap. The areas outside of the flap had normal corneal sensitivity at all postoperative time periods. The areas within the flap had decreased corneal sensitivity after LASIK.

"At 3 months postop, there was greater corneal sensitivity recovery in treated eyes [with topical cyclosporine] than in control eyes," Dr. Peyman said.