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Cyclosporine shows efficacy for treating allergic conjunctivitis

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Administering topical cyclosporine A can be effective for treating severe allergic conjunctivitis, a small study shows. The drug may act as a steroid-sparing agent, the study authors said.

Altan A. Ozcan, MD, and colleagues reviewed outcomes for seven patients aged 6 to 14 years who had severe allergic conjunctivitis treated with Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%, Allergan). Specifically, six patients had vernal keratoconjunctivitis and one had atopic keratoconjunctivitis, according to the study.

None of the patients responded to treatment with topical steroids, antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers, the authors noted.

At 6 months, the severity of the patients' symptoms and clinical signs had significantly decreased (P < .05). In addition, steroid use was reduced or stopped.

Patients reported no side effects over 14 months mean follow-up, according to the study, published in the October issue of Cornea.