Topical tacrolimus versus dexamethasone in managing shield ulcer of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a bilateral, chronic, allergic inflammation of the ocular surface with debilitating ocular signs and symptoms. We compared the efficacies and safeties of 1% tacrolimus eye drops and 1% dexamethasone eye drops in managing unilateral shield ulcers and corneal epitheliopathy secondary to VKC.

Methods: We recruited patients with unilateral shield ulcer and corneal epitheliopathy secondary to VKC in a tertiary referral center in southeast Iran during a 12-month period.