Topical cyclosporine A shows efficacy for treating superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis

Applying topical cyclosporine A can be an effective treatment option for patients with superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis who do not respond to other treatments, according to a study by researchers in Turkey.

Additionally, the drug can help prevent recurrences during treatment and avoid dependence on steroids and the associated side effects, the study authors noted.

Afsun Sahin, MD, and colleagues evaluated outcomes for seven patients treated with Restasis (cyclosporine A, Allergan) four times daily. These patients all had superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis refractory to topical corticosteroids and silver nitrate. All patients also received preservative-free artificial tears and a lubricant ointment, according to the study.

"After cessation of the topical [cyclosporine A] treatment, six patients were followed up for at least 6 [additional] months. In this period, the patients continued using lubricant agents," the authors said.

At 2 weeks, all patients showed significant improvements in foreign-body sensation, irritation, photophobia, symptoms of conjunctival hyperemia, tarsal papillary reaction and filamentous keratopathy, the authors reported.

Patients reported some brief burning after administering topical cyclosporine. However, none had systemic or serious local side effects, they noted.

At 3 months, three patients (50%) showed signs of recurrence necessitating re-treatment with cyclosporine.

"The clinical findings improved again within a 2-week period, and none of these patients needed further use of topical steroids," the authors said.

The study is published in the February issue of Cornea.