Effectiveness of Subconjunctival Cyclosporine in Treatment of Acute Allergic Conjunctivitis in a Rat-Model

• Published in: Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) N.Z.), 2020-02, Vol.14, p.431-435
• Main Authors: Awara, Amr, Atiba, Ayman, Helal, Duaa, Elbedewy, Hazem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergies; Antihistamines; Bioavailability; Blood diseases; Conjunctivitis; cyclosporine a; Cyclosporins; Drug therapy; Drugs; Eosinophilia; eye allergy; Histamine; Medical personnel; Ophthalmology; Original Research; Physicians; Steroids; subconjunctival; Time
• ISSN: 1177-5467; 1177-5483; 1177-5483
• DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S244287

Eye allergy is widely spread worldwide. The treatment includes topical anti-histamines, steroids and non-steroidal drugs. Steroids are the first choice by many ophthalmologists, but unfortunately they may cause serious side effects. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunomodulator drug that can improve eye allergy and reduce the need for steroids; however, topical preparation of CsA is difficult because of the lipophilic nature of the drug. An experimental study included 16 rats with induced allergy were divided into 2 groups. Group 1: allergic non-treated (6 rats), and Group 2: allergic treated with 0.5 mL subconjunctival CsA 1% (10 rats). Half of each group was sacrificed at 24 hrs and the other half at 1 week. Conjunctival hyperemia and eosinophilic cell count were assessed at each time. Group 2 (CsA treated) showed significantly lower hyperemia score and eosinophilic count at both 24 hrs and 1 week. No ocular complications were noted. Subconjunctival CsA was safe and effective in treating ocular allergy through improving conjunctival hyperemia and reducing eosinophilic cell count with no significant ocular side effects.