An Investigation Into the Conjunctival and Nasal Flora of Patients Receiving Cyclosporine Eye Drop Treatment for Dry Eye

Abstract OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study is to analyze the long-term use of cyclosporine drops of anti-inflammatory effect on conjunctival and nasal flora, which are commonly used in dry eye treatment, , to examine antibiotic resistance and to suggest some precautions.METHODSThe 38 people using cyclosporine drops were classified as Group 1, and the 34 people using preservative-free artificial tear preparations were classified as Group 2. Swabs were taken from the conjunctiva and nasal cavities of the volunteers participating in the study and cultured. Groups 1 and 2 were compared in terms of growing microorganisms and antibiotic susceptibility.RESULTSThere was no statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 in terms of bacteria growing in the eye and nasal cavities. When it comes to the antibiotic susceptibility statistics for S. epidermidis, low sensitivity to penicillin was observed in particular in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.036)CONCLUSIONThe use of cyclosporine or preservative-free artificial tears did not make any difference to the flora or to the antibiotic susceptibility of the flora. It is thought that the use of cyclosporine drops does not predispose to ocular infection.