Efficacy of Topical 0.05% Cyclosporine Treatment in Children with Severe Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

We aimed to determine the efficacy of topical cyclosporine in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis refractory to topical mast cell stabilizer and antihistamine therapy. Thirty-one patients, 24 boys and 7 girls younger than 16 years of age, were included in the study. All patients were scored on a four-point scale from 0 to 3 for symptoms and signs. Each patient received topical cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion (Restasis, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) four times daily in addition to preservative-free artificial tears and was followed for 6 months. The data was recorded before the initiation of treatment (day 0) and at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months following treatment. After six months of treatment, severity of all symptoms and signs showed a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05). Patients did not report any serious adverse effects. Topical cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion treatment is a safe and effective treatment option for controlling the symptoms and signs of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children.