Ciclosporin 0.1% Eye Emulsion

How it works

Ciclosporin inhibits calcineurin in T-lymphocytes, dampening the ocular surface inflammation that drives dry eye-associated keratitis and helping restore tear production.

Prescribing in practice

• Contraindicated in active or suspected ocular or periocular infection, as immunomodulation may exacerbate it.
• Instillation site reactions such as eye pain, stinging and irritation are common, particularly early in treatment.
• Therapeutic benefit develops gradually over weeks, so it should be continued rather than judged on immediate effect.

Monitoring

Periodically review the ocular surface and treatment response, and remain alert for ocular infection during prolonged immunomodulatory therapy.

Counselling the patient

• Some stinging or burning on instillation is common and usually settles with continued use.
• Remove soft contact lenses before instilling and wait before reinserting them.
• Benefit builds up over several weeks, so keep using it as prescribed even if there is no immediate change.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical ciclosporin is recommended for severe dry eye keratitis that is refractory to ocular lubricants, in line with current ophthalmology practice.