THE EFFICACY OF TOPICAL TACROLIMUS OINTMENT 0.03% AS MONOTHERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE CASES OF VERNAL KERATOCONJUNCTMTIS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Tacrolimus ointment 0.03% as monotherapy for the treat ment of severe cases of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Setting DAR EL TAMUS private ophthalmology clinic in Benghazi Libya METHODS: A prospective observational study of 32 cves of 16 patients was carried out in the period from (01-01 2017 to (31-12-2017). All the patients attended DAR EL TAMAIUS private ophthalmology clinic in Benghazi Libya, the clinical subjective oc ular signs and the objective ocular symptoms of severe cases of vernal Keratoconjunctivitis were assessed. All patients were treated only with Tacrolimus ointment 0.03% applied to the conjunctival sac once at night in each eye for consecutive 8 weeks, where the signs and symptoms of vernal Keratoconjunctivitis followed prospectively at 1st week, Ist month, 2nd month, 3rd month, 6th month and 12th month. RESULT: By the end of 8th weeks there was a dramatic relief in the total score of symptoms and signs from baseline were recorded at each visit and no need for further treatment up to the end of this study period 12th months. No rele vant adverse effects were reported except mild burning sensation Conclusion:Tacrolimus ointment 0.03% was well tolerated and effective as monotherapy in reducing the signs and symptoms of severe cases of vernal Keratoconjunctivitis and a valuable treatment option for this condition that may substitute for steroids treatment with its adverse effect.