Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5% eye drops alone with the combination of 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose eye drops with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment, used twice daily, for the treatment of severe dry eyes. Material and Methods: In this study, 30 patients i.e 60 eyes were included in each group presenting with severe dry eye in eye OPD. Group 1 where patients used carboxy methyl cellulose 0.5% eye drops four times a day for treatment of severe dry eye. Group 2 in which patients used 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose eye drops four times daily along with 0.1% tacrolimus ophthalmic ointment twice daily in treatment of severe dry eyes. All patients were evaluated on day 0, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 month and 6 months for relief in ocular symptoms and diagnostic dry eye test were done. Results: The mean age in group I was 41.36 ± 7.58 years and in group II was 39.2 ± 5.28 years. Mean net score in group 1=14.58 Mean net score in group 2=17.62. Net score in group 2 is more than group 1. The difference in net score of 60 eyes from each group was found to be statistically significant p<0.05. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a statistically significant disparity in the response of patients treated with a combination of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and CMC 0.5% drops, compared to those treated with 0.5% CMC eye drops alone, in terms of improvement in tear film profile tests and ocular symptoms.