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Clinical treatment with topical 0.03% Tacrolimus eye ointment for refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea Medical

Session Date/Time: Monday 07/10/2013 | 08:00-10:00

Paper Time: 08:44

Venue: Elicium 1 (First Floor)

First Author: : A.Khindria INDIA

Co Author(s): :    A. Khindria   K. Arneja   J. Bose        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 0.03% tacrolimus eye ointment for treatment of refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

Setting:

venu eye institute

Methods:

This is a prospective, non comparative study, included 30 eyes of 15 patients who had active symptomatic disease despite conventional medications, including topical steroids. After discontinuing all other medications like systemic and topical steroids, antihistamines, topical antihistamine and cyclosporine, patients were treated with topical 0.03% tacrolimus eye ointment twice-daily for 4 weeks and then once a day for the next month .Lubricant drops were given four times a day during the two months. The changes in subjective symptoms and objective signs after treatment were evaluated, and also the development of possible complications was assessed.

Results:

After one month, - Patients experienced resolution of their clinical symptoms with decrease in papillae size. - Mild stinging was the only adverse effect seen, which improved with the use of lubricant eye drops. - No systemic side effects seen. Treatment was continued for one month and was then gradually reduced. Patients were followed for a average period of six months. All the symptoms and signs showed improvement. None of the patients required any addition of other drugs.

Conclusions:

- Tacrolimus is a safe drug which can be used as an effective treatment for steroid-resistant refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis. - No untoward side- effects were observed even after long term use.

Financial Interest:

NONE