A comparative study of efficacy and effects on intraocular pressure following treatment with topical loteprednol etabonate (0.5%) versus fluorometholone acetate (0.1%) in vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Background Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic allergic condition affecting both eyes found predominantly in children and adolescents. Topical steroids are associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Topical loteprednol etabonate (LE) and fluorometholone acetate (FA) have good efficacy and lesser side effects. Objectives The study was done to assess the efficacy and effect of topical LE and FA on IOP in VKC. Materials and Methods A nonrandomized interventional study was conducted among patients aged 6–20 years attending eye outpatient department with VKC. Patients were assessed on day 0 for signs and symptoms of VKC, and IOP measurement was done. They were divided into two groups and LE (0.5%) was administered in one group and FA (0.1%) in another along with olopatadine (0.1%) in both the groups. Follow-up examinations were done on day 7, 14, and 28 in both the groups. Results Out of 64 patients included in the study (32 in each LE and fluorometholone [FM] group), a moderate degree of VKC was the common type observed in both the groups. Both the groups showed a significant decrease in mean symptom and sign scores on day 7, 14, and 28 than the baseline score (P < 0.001). Mean IOP was not found to be significantly raised (P > 0.05) in the two groups on follow-up. Conclusion In patients with VKC, topical application of 0.5% LE and 0.1% FA is equally effective and safe without any significant rise of IOP.