Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus eye ointment compared to the standard anti allergic drugs for the management of chronic vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).
Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized comparative interventional study that enrolled 50chronic VKC cases, which were assigned into 2groups. The first group was treated with 0.03%tacrolimus eye ointment twice daily for 2months then once daily for 2months followed by once every other day for another 2months. The second group was treated with standard anti allergic drugs, topical fluorometholone 0.1%eye drops 3times daily for 2weeks and gradually withdrawn for another 2weeks plus topical olopatadine 0.1%twice daily during the follow up period. The severity of VKC was assessed by a four-point scale of symptoms and signs. The treatment efficacy was assessed by the analysis of changes in symptoms and signs.
Results: Itching was the most common symptom reported and the most observed signs were conjunctival hyperemia and papillary hypertrophy. In both groups, there was a significant improvement in all symptoms and signs after treatment. The tacrolimus group showed a more significant improvement at 3and 6months in the mean composite symptom and sign scores. Regarding the complications, there was one case of increased IOP reported in the second group after 2weeks of steroid treatment while there were no complications in the tacrolimus group only stinging sensation was reported in some cases and well tolerated.
Conclusions: Tacrolimus 0.03%eye ointment was effective and safe and can be used as an alternative to reduce steroid-associated complications.