Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis Medication

  • Author: James H Oakman Jr, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD   more...
 
Updated: Aug 26, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Mast cell stabilizers and vitamin A preparations have been used with moderate success in the treatment of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK). However, these approaches usually offer only temporary mitigation of symptoms, and more definitive treatments are often required. Preservative-free artificial tears may also be helpful.

Topical cyclosporine A has been shown to provide symptom relief and to improve the signs of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis; however, maintenance therapy is required for continued benefit.[28]

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Mast Cell Stabilizers

Class Summary

Mast cell stabilizers inhibit type 1 immediate hypersensitivity reactions and are used for the long-term inhibition of inflammation.

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Lodoxamide tromethamine 0.1% (Alomide)

 

Lodoxamide is a mast cell stabilizer with reported efficacy in the treatment of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis.

Cromolyn sodium 4%

 

Cromolyn is another mast cell stabilizer with reported efficacy in the treatment of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis.

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Cauterizing Agents

Class Summary

Topical application of cauterizing agents is used for the treatment of keratinized conjunctivae.

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Silver nitrate

 

An application of silver nitrate to the anesthetized conjunctiva usually relieves symptoms of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis for 4-6 weeks. Then, the treatment can be repeated safely.

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Immunomodulators

Class Summary

Immunomodulatory agents modulate key factors of the immune system.

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Cyclosporine A, 0.05% topical (Restasis)

 

Cyclosporine A is used to relieve dry eyes caused by suppressed tear production secondary to ocular inflammation. This agent is thought to act as a partial immunomodulator, but its exact mechanism of action is not known.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

James H Oakman Jr, MD  Partner, Southern Eye Center, Augusta, Georgia

James H Oakman Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Georgia Medical Society, Georgia Society of General Surgeons, and Georgia Society of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Christopher J Rapuano, MD  Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Director of the Cornea Service, Co-Director of Refractive Surgery Department, Wills Eye Institute

Christopher J Rapuano, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America, International Society of Refractive Surgery, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Allergan Consulting fee Consulting; Alcon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Inspire Honoraria Speaking and teaching; RPS Ownership interest Other; Vistakon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; EyeGate Pharma Consulting; Inspire Consulting fee Consulting; Bausch & Lomb Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Bausch & Lomb Consulting fee Consulting

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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