COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF TACROLIMUS 0.03% OINTMENT VS OLOPATADINE 0.2% EYE DROPS IN THE TREATMENT OF VERNAL KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment to olopatadine 0.2% eye drops in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Study Design: Prospective cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Eye Department Combined Military Hospital Quetta, from Feb to Jul 2019.

Methodology: A total of 69 patients with active vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) were included in this study.
Thirty six (52.17%) patients were randomized in tacrolimus group and 33 (47.83%) in olopatadine group B.
Baseline values of the subjective symptom score (SSS) and the objective sign score (OSS) were noted. Patients
were reviewed on weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12 and the scores at each visit were summed. These scores were used for
comparison between groups.

Results: At the start of the study, the mean subjective symptoms score and objective sign score of group A was 9.0 ± 2.04 and 3.93 ± 1.93 respectively, while that of group B was 8.88 ± 2.18 and 4.36 ± 1.90 respectively. At the end of 12-weeks, the mean subjective symptoms score and objective sign score of group A reduced to 0.11 ± 0.32 and 0.08 ± 0.28 respectively, while that of group B reduced to 1.70 ± 0.77 and 0.64 ± 0.55 respectively. Total improvement of scores (as a percentage of baselines) among tacrolimus group was 98.3% and olopatadine group was 83%.

Conclusion: Although both 0.03% tacrolimus and 0.2% olopatadine were effective in improving the signs and
symptoms of VKC, 0.03% tacrolimus was significantly superior.