Therapeutic Effects of 0.03% Tacrolimus Eye Drops for Chronic Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of 0.03% tacrolimus eye drops on dry eye associated with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). METHODS: This study included 24 eyes of 12 patients with refractory dry eye associated with chronic ocular GVHD who were unresponsive to topical steroid and 0.05% topical cyclosporine. The topical steroid and cyclosporine were discontinued for 2 weeks before treatment and 0.03% tacrolimus eye drops were applied twice a day for 1 month. Artificial tears, ointment, and lid cleanser were used in the same manner before initiating tacrolimus treatment. Ocular staining score, tear break-up time, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and Schirmer I test score were evaluated. RESULTS: Ocular staining score, tear break-up time, and OSDI improved with statistical significance (p < 0.05) after 28 days of treatment. Schirmer I test did not show statistical improvement after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 0.03% tacrolimus eye drops were effective for refractory dry eye associated with chronic ocular GVHD.