Topical interferon Alpha-2b in refractory limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis: a case report

Abstract

Purpose: To report our experience of managing a steroid resistant limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) by topical interferon alpha-2b (IFN- 2b) eye drops. Methods: Case report Results: A 20-year-old man was referred to our cornea clinic with the chief complaints of itching and photophobia in eyes and foreign body sensation, redness, and ptosis in a both eyes. He had a 10-year history of gradually enlarging limbal gelatinous masses on both eyes, which according to the other signs and impression cytology (IC) was diagnosed as a VKC. As the disease in his left eye was more severe and persistent with maximum topical steroid usage, we started the topical IFN- 2b eye drops, that a rapid therapeutic response was observed. After three months of using the topical IFN- 2b all ocular surface inflammation and other symptoms rapidly disappeared and we continued this drug till another 3 months, at 12-months follow-up, there was no recurrence of the limbal papillary hypertrophic lesions and other signs and symptoms of VKC. Conclusion: In a refractory VKC, topical IFN- 2b can be used and enhance remission in such complex cases and can resolve patient’s complains rapidly.