Effect of Topical Tacrolimus in the Treatment of Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate topical tacrolimus ointment for treating Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis (Thygeson SPK).

Design: Retrospective interventional case series.

Methods: setting: Institutional practice.

Patient population: The medical records of 14 patients (9 women; age range, 9-65 years) with Thygeson SPK were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnosis was based on the history and clinical examination.

Intervention: Patients were treated with tacrolimus 0.03% eye ointment instilled into the lower fornix twice daily for the first 2 weeks, followed by nocturnal application. The clinical signs and symptoms were assessed after 1 month of treatment. The drug was tapered with disease improvement.

Main outcome measure(s): Treatment efficacy and side effects.

Results: All patients had bilateral disease (average duration, 6 years). All patients, except 2 who used the medication irregularly, had improved visual acuity (VA), symptoms, and signs as long as the medication was applied. Before treatment 28.57% of patients had VA between 20/30 and 20/50, with improvement after treatment to 20/25 or 20/20. Attempts to withdraw the medication resulted in recurrent disease, and, therefore, treatment was not curative during the study period. No significant local medication side effects were reported.

Conclusion: Tacrolimus eye ointment 0.03% was effective for controlling Thygeson SPK for a long period with good patient tolerance and no noticeable local or systemic side effects. During the average 6-year follow-up, treatment was not curative. Randomized studies are difficult to conduct because of the disease rarity.