ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the efficacy of 0.03% Tacrolimus dermatologic ointment in the treatment of Vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Study Design: Cross-sectional.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Eye Donors Association Hospital, Wah Cantonment from August 2019 to January 2020.
Materials and Methods: 103 diagnosed patients of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, aged 3-16 years, were included in this study. They were treated with 0.03% Tacrolimus dermatologic ointment, applied in the inferior fornix once at night time, for a period of two months.  In addition, these patients were also prescribed a topical anti-histamine (0.05 % ketotifen eye drops 3 times a day) and preservative free artificial tears for symptomatic relief. The patients were evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks after the initiation of treatment.  At each follow up the clinical signs were assessed on a slit lamp biomicroscope by a single observer and recorded on a standardized grading sheet.
Results: Out of 103 patients, 66% were male and mean age was 9 years (range 3-16 years). The mean baseline scores showed a statistically significant decrease, with the exception of palpebral follicles & limbal Trantas dots after 8 weeks of treatment.
Conclusion: 0.03% Tacrolimus dermatologic ointment was found to be safe and effective in the treatment of vernal kerato-conjunctivitis.

Key Words: Steroid Sparing Agent, Tacrolimus, Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis.

How to cite this: Adnan M, Masrur A, Khan FA, Tayyab A. Efficacy of Topical 0.03% Tacrolimus Dermatologic Ointment in Treatment of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis. Life and Science. 2021; 2(4): 138-143.  doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.142