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New research · Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology · 23h
ReviewOphthalmology · 2026

Effectiveness of Corticosteroid-Sparing Topical Treatments for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Children: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Kara M Cavuoto, Julius T Oatts, Sudha Nallasamy … Melinda Y Chang
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OphthalmologyReview

Most high-quality studies support calcineurin inhibitors for vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children.

Effectiveness of Corticosteroid-Sparing Topical Treatments for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Children: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Kara M Cavuoto et al. · Ophthalmology · 2026
Purpose

To review the published literature assessing the efficacy of corticosteroid-sparing topical treatments for vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in children 18 years of age and younger.

Methods

Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were assigned a level of evidence rating by the panel methodologist.

n = 9 studies
4/6
Results
Four of six high-quality studies found cyclosporine or tacrolimus improved symptoms.
n = 9 studies
More results

Six studies were rated level I, and 9 studies were rated level III.

Most level III evidence studies (5/9) reported outcomes using tacrolimus drops or ointment.

Apart from application site discomfort, the studies reported no significant adverse events.

“
Conclusion · 1 of 2

Level I and III evidence demonstrate that treatment with corticosteroid-sparing topical interventions such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sodium cromoglycate, and interferon alpha-2b can improve clinical signs and symptoms of VKC in children.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Most of the level I evidence supports the use of the calcineurin inhibitors-cyclosporine and tacrolimus. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

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