Topical Tacrolimus in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Topical Tacrolimus in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
The main aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus 0.01%
 eyedrops in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
A total of 20 patients with bilateral symmetrical vernal keratoconjunctivitis will be
 included. Each patient will undergo a complete ophthalmologic evaluation. Patient will be
 placed at random on topical Tacrolimus 0.01% ophthalmic solution in one eye and placebo
 eyedrops in the fellow eye. Patients will undergo ophthalmologic examination at one week and
 after one month. Photos will be taken. The outcome measures include graded symptoms, graded
 signs, and laboratory investigations. Symptoms of itching, redness, foreign body sensation,
 tearing and discharge following will be recorded before and after treatment. The grading of
 clinical signs of conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival papillary hypertrophy, perilimbal
 infiltrates, Trantas dots, superficial punctate keratopathy will be recorded before and after
 treatment. Conjunctival surface temperature will be determined before and after treatment.
 Conjunctival scrapings will be stained with Giemsa and will be assessed before and after
 therapy and number of eosinophils per hpf will be determined and recorded.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  with bilateral symmetrical palpebral and limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis

 -  Patients 6-18 years of age

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnant patients

 -  Patients on systemic therapy for other allergic disorders

 -  Patients who cannot come for follow-up

 -  Patients who are on other topical medications for other comorbid ocular conditions