Efficacy of topical 0.05% cyclosporine in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in children aged 5-15 years visiting outpatient department

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v42i3.2363

Abstract

Purpose:To assess the effectiveness and safety of short-term use of topical 0.05% cyclosporine in children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).
Study Design:  Quasi experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan from April 2025 to September 2026.

Methods:  A Consecutive sampling was done to include 78 children of 5-15 years of age who had clinically identified VKC. The analysis involved one eye of each patient. They were treated with the topical cyclosporine 0.05% eye drops four times per day for one month. The severity of the disease was evaluated using a validated clinical scoring system that included symptoms and indicators at baseline and after one month. Treatment was considered effective if there was at least one point improvement in the total VKC score from baseline.

Results:  There were 65.4%  males. The total VKC score dropped significantly from the baseline of 10.0 [IQR: 8.0-13.0] to 4.0 [IQR: 2.0-6.0] after one month (p <0.001). Clinical improvement was noted in 69 patients (88.5%). No substantial differences in treatment response were observed based on age, gender, duration of symptoms, or daily computer usage. A mild, temporary burning sensation was observed in 7% of individuals.

Conclusion:  Topical 0.05% cyclosporine provided substantial short-term therapeutic improvement and exhibited a positive safety profile in pediatric patients with VKC.Larger, randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to establish the long-term role of this treatment in VKC management.