To evaluate the effects of the application of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment in patients of vernal keratoconjunctivitis at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Context: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of 0.03% tacrolimus eye ointment in treating patients diagnosed with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) specifically within a tertiary care hospital setting. Materials and Methods: From October 2019 to October 2021, a prospective observational study took place at the department of ophthalmology in a tertiary care center. The study involved 42 consecutive VKC cases that had not seen relief with antihistaminics, mast cell stabilizers, or topical steroids. When steroid is applied in VKC patient it leads to various complications. So, in steroid refractory VKC tacrolimus application is used. Treatment involved applying topical 0.03% tacrolimus ointment was an effective and safe treatment. The study assessed changes in symptoms and signs posttreatment and monitored potential complications at 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 weeks into the treatment during follow-up sessions. Results: The mean age of the patients was 10.7 ± 3.3 years. Following the administration of 0.03% tacrolimus, all signs and symptoms such as itching, foreign body sensation, tearing, photophobia, papillae, conjunctival hyperemia, limbal edema, Horner-Trantas dots, as well as keratitis (superficial punctate keratitis) showed significant improvement (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The application of 0.03% tacrolimus has been found effective in reducing the symptoms and signs of VKC, particularly in cases refractory to steroids, with very few cases reporting minimal side effects. This study emphasizes the crucial role of tacrolimus in preventing the severe visual complications often linked to this disease.