Topical tacrolimus treatment of atopic eyelid disease

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the effects of topical tacrolimus treatment of severe atopic eyelid disease.

Design: Interventional consecutive case series.

Methods: A description of clinical findings and therapeutic response for five consecutive adult patients (mean age, 56.2 years; range 44-62) treated with topical tacrolimus for severe atopic eyelid disease at one institution.

Results: Five patients with bilateral atopic eyelid disease that was refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids were treated with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment, applied to the affected eyelid skin of both eyes twice daily. Eyelid induration, erythema, and eczematous changes were substantially improved within 1 to 3 weeks after initiation of topical tacrolimus treatment in all patients. There was an associated decrease in ocular surface irritation and inflammatory signs in each of four patients who also had atopic keratoconjunctivitis. No adverse effect associated with tacrolimus treatment was noted during continued treatment for 5 to 14 months. All patients were able to discontinue longstanding use of topical corticosteroid drugs.

Conclusions: Application of topical tacrolimus on eyelid skin may be effective for treatment of severe atopic dermatitis of the eyelids, and may have secondary benefits for atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Topical tacrolimus may be used for at least 1 year without apparent adverse reaction in some patients, although the rate of adverse reaction cannot be determined from this small series.