The Effect of Topical Interferon Alpha-2b in Refractory Limbal Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Purpose:Reporting our results on the management of a steroid-resistant limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) by topical interferon alpha-2b (IFN-∝2b) eye drops.

Methods: Case report.

Results:A 20-year-old man was admitted to our cornea clinic with the chief complaints of itching and photophobia in eyes and foreign body sensation, redness, and ptosis in a both eyes. He had a 10-year history of gradually enlarging limbal gelatinous masses on both eyes, which according to the other signs and impression cytology (IC)was diagnosed as a VKC. As the disease in his left eye was more severe and persistent with maximum topical steroid usage, we started the topical IFN-2beye drops, thata rapid therapeutic response was observed.Afterthree months ofusing the topical IFN-2b all ocular surface inflammation and other symptoms rapidly disappeared and we continued this drug till another 3 months, at 12-months follow-up, there was no recurrence of the limbal papillary hypertrophic lesions and other symptoms and signs of VKC.

Conclusion: In a refractory VKC, topical IFN-2b can be used and enhance remission in such complex cases and can resolve patient’s complains rapidly.