Efficacy of Epinastine Eyelid Cream in Pediatric Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: A Case Report

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is characterized by inflammatory responses in the conjunctiva and is often complicated by atopic dermatitis and mechanical irritation. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), a severe subtype of AC, presents unique challenges in its diagnosis and management, particularly in pediatric patients. This case report describes an eight-year-old girl with VKC who exhibited poor adherence to a prescribed regimen of 0.05% epinastine ophthalmic solution and corticosteroid eye drops, resulting in persistent symptoms. Despite initial treatment, the patient's condition included giant papillae and thickened tarsal conjunctivae that were resistant to standard therapies. Upon transitioning to 0.5% epinastine eyelid cream, the patient showed improved adherence and partial symptom resolution. However, new limbal lesions, including Horner-Trantas dots, were observed following the cessation of steroid therapy. The reintroduction of steroids led to significant improvements in conjunctival lesions and complete resolution of limbal gelatinous hyperplasia. This case underscores the potential of epinastine eyelid cream in managing VKC, particularly in patients with adherence issues, and highlights the need for careful monitoring and combination therapy in severe cases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of epinastine eyelid cream. However, once-daily application of eyelid cream may serve as a viable treatment and management option for pediatric patients with VKC.