The Study of Rebamipide for the Treatment of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis at a Tertiary Care Center in North India

Background: Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe form of allergic conjunctivitis characterized by persistent ocular surface inflammation. It has symptoms associated with allergies and dry eye. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of Rebamipide in the treatment of individuals with moderate to severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Methods: The present study is a prospective, analytical, single-center study conducted at a tertiary care center for a period of 18 months. A total of 510 eyes of 270 patients with VKC were included. Patients were randomly selected and assigned from the eye OPD for the study. Patients received Rebamipide eye drops [2% w/v], 1 drop QID for the treatment of VKC. The effects of Rebamipide on the symptoms and signs were evaluated in follow-ups. Results: A comprehensive evaluation of the treatment efficacy of Rebamipide 2% eyedrops in patients with VKC reveals notable improvements in both symptoms and signs. Specifically, when comparing the Total Subjective Symptom Scores (TSSS) assessing patient-reported discomfort, itching, tearing and visual disturbances, there was a marked reduction from the baseline to the scores recorded after 12 weeks of treatment. Additionally, the Total Objective Sign Scores (TOSS), which included clinical evaluations of conjunctival redness, papillary formation and discharge, also demonstrated significant improvement over the same period. Statistical analysis of the relevant data yielded a p-value of 0.0001, indicating a highly significant difference and affirming the efficacy of Rebamipide 2% eyedrops in managing the symptoms and signs of VKC over the 12-week treatment duration. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the efficacy of topical Rebamipide administered in the eyes of patients suffering from VKC was effective in reducing signs and symptoms.