{
  "abstract": "Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) significantly impacts paediatric patients‘ quality of life due to chronic allergic eye inflammation. While topical steroids offer symptomatic relief, prolonged use can lead to complications like glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal damage. This audit evaluated the effectiveness of G. Cyclosporine 0.1% in reducing steroid dependency and controlling VKC symptoms in paediatric patients at the Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust.A retrospective analysis was conducted on 115 paediatric VKC patients (81 males, 34 females), aged 4–18 years (mean age 11), treated from 2015 onwards. Data were collected using Medisoft and electronic health records, focusing on steroid-sparing effects, corneal complications, adverse effects, and compliance.Among 87 patients treated with Ciclosporin 0.1%, 32 (36.8%) required no rescue steroids or had gaps exceeding one year between short steroid courses. Nineteen (21.8%) remained steroid-free for over six months, indicating 58.6% achieved significant steroid reduction. Of 8 patients on long-term steroids despite Ciclosporin 0.1%, 7 developed corneal ulcers, 2 requiring debridement. Nine patients (10.34%) experienced decreased visual acuity—7 had minimal reduction to 6/7.5, and 2 to 6/9. Reported side effects were mild and transient.Ciclosporin 0.1% proved effective in reducing steroid dependency for VKC management. However, patient adherence, prescription accessibility, and monitoring for complications like shield ulcers remain crucial to optimize outcomes.This audit supports the use of Ciclosporin 0.1% as a valuable steroid-sparing agent in the management of VKC, with minimal adverse effects, highlighting the importance of clinical protocols and ongoing monitoring.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Asmar Jumshudova"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Nadia Azad"
    }
  ],
  "title": "130119 Effectiveness of G. cyclosporine 0.1% in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) Patients",
  "uid": "538e0080-cecf-5482-8584-aca2ec4ecb93"
}