A Double Blind Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of Honey Drop in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Purpose. This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical honey eye drops in patients with diagnosed VKC. Methods. This clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with diagnosed VKC. The patients were selected and randomly allocated between two groups of 30. Patients in two groups received honey eye drop (60% in artificial tear) or placebo, other than cromolyn and fluorometholone 1% eye drops, to be used topically in each eye, four times per day. The patients were examined with slit lamp and torch at baseline and the follow-up visits on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of the study for redness, limbal papillae, and intraocular pressure. Results. Out of 60 patients who completed the study, 19 patients (31.7%) were female. There was significant increase in eye pressure and reduction in redness as well as limbal papillae, following the consumption of the honey drop in honey group compared to placebo control group (P < 0.05). At the end of trial, one patient in honey group and 7 ones in placebo group had limbal papillae (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Topical honey eye drops, when used along with Cromolyn and Fluorometholone eye drops, might be beneficial for the treatment of VKC.

The Proportion of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Utilization Among Saudi Population for Eye Care: Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, patient’s satisfaction for its effectiveness is not sufficient, since some of them could be using traditional medications along with allopathic medications. Although there are some clinical trials that reported some beneficial effects of traditional treatments, like honey for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, and castor oil for treating meibomian gland dysfunction [ 28 , 29 ]. Serious complications reported by other studies should be considered and known by both physicians and patients [ 13 , 14 , 25 , 30 ].…”

Randomised controlled trial of topical antibacterial Manuka (Leptospermum species) honey for evaporative dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction

“…Honeys from floral sources other than Leptospermum spp. have exhibited anti‐inflammatory effects in ocular surface disease (decreased conjunctival hyperaemia, decreased neutrophilic infiltration and decreased corneal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, interferon gamma, interleukin 12, chemokines and tumour necrosis factor alpha) . Further investigation is warranted to identify the active component(s) and mechanisms responsible for these anti‐inflammatory and wound‐healing activities of honeys on the ocular surface.…”

“…Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars with an acidic pH, high osmolarity and low water content and can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reduce oedema and promote epithelialisation . Honey from a variety of floral sources and geographic locations and in a range of concentrations, has been used in the chronic management of ocular surface diseases, including post‐operative corneal oedema and bullous keratopathy, Sjögren's and non‐Sjögren's aqueous deficient dry eye, evaporative dry eye due to MGD, neurotrophic keratitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, contact lens‐related microbial keratitis and as antimicrobial prophylaxis for eye surgery …”

Clinical and Antibacterial Effects of Tualang Honey on Pseudomonas-induced Keratitis in Rabbit Eyes

“…Tan et al observed its antibacterial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates at concentrations of ≥25% [19], while Cernak et al found that its antimicrobial properties could be used to prevent corneal scarring caused by infections [28]. Other studies have found that its antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and gives it an anti-inflammatory effect [15-17], which can expedite treatment of blepharitis and keratitis [29].…”