RESUMO
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical corticosteroid drops for treatment of moderate to severe dry eye cases. Fifty eyes of 25 dry eye patients, who were unresponsive to artificial tears only, were treated with 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops for one week. Subjective symptoms scoring, evaluation of conjunctival hyperemia, tears break-up time [BUT], vital staining scores, and Schirmer test 1 were performed before starting steroid drops and at 1 week and 1 month after treatment. All the patients had fewer symptoms as early as one week after topical steroid drops use. Objective tests were improved in all dry eye patients 1 month after treatment, and the difference was significant. Hyperemia of the conjunctiva was relieved obviously one month after treatment [P<0.05] The mean value of BUT increased from [5.13 +/- 1.82 sec.] before treatment to [6.57 +/- 1.85 sec.] at one month. The mean value of Schirmer test I was [4.63 +/- 0.94] mm/5 min. increased to [7.12 +/- 1.83] mm/5 min one month after topical steroid drops use [P<0.05]. No complications were observed. Short course of topical corticosteroid drops can rapidly and effectively relieve the symptoms and signs of moderate or severe dry eye