A comparative study to evaluate clinicopathological changes associated with usage of topical cyclosporine A 0.09 percent versus lifitegrast 5 percent eyedrops in patients with dry eye disease.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate and compare the clinico-pathological changes in patients with Dry Eye Disease  treated with Cyclosporine A 0.09 percentage and Lifitegrast 5 percentage at Sankara Eye Hospital, Bangalore. Dry eye disease is a multifactorial condition marked by tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation. Eligible patients above 18 years with various forms of dry eye disease will undergo a drug-free period before being randomly assigned to either treatment group. Clinical assessment of dryness using Schirmers test, Keratograph, Tear film breakup time, Corneal staining pattern and Symptom score will be checked at baseline and week 12. Impression cytology of the cornea and conjunctiva will be performed at baseline and week 12 to assess squamous metaplasia, goblet cell density, and cellular morphology. The study seeks to correlate clinical improvements with pathological changes, providing insight into the efficacy of these immunomodulatory therapies.