Rebamipide 2% Ophthalmic Suspension for the Treatment of Allergic Keratoconjunctivitis: A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Rebamipide 2% ophthalmic suspension in the treatment of Allergic Keratoconjunctivitis. Rebamipide 2% ophthalmic suspension has shown to be advantageous for the treatment of dry eye and an improvement of ocular allergic conditions, after its application is also remarkable for the patients, especially in severe conditions. Study was done to report the improvement in signs and symptoms after using Rebamipide 2% as an additional therapy in allergic patients and reduced dependency on topical steroids. Materials and Methods: Rebamipide 2% ophthalmic suspension was used in the treatment of allergic keratoconjunctivitis. We used subjective signs and symptoms of allergic keratoconjunctivitis as well as objective tests of tear film production like TBUT and Schirmer I and compared the post-treatment values at 1 week, 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 7 weeks, with baseline values. Results: The study revealed that Rebamipide 2% significantly improved the clinical grading of the disease, Schirmer I and Tear Film Breakup Time (TBUT) scores. No significant side effects to the therapy were observed. In steroid responsive patients, no aggravation of symptoms was observed after tapering the dose of steroids while steroid non-responder patients showed a significant improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms of allergic keratoconjunctivitis. Maximum effect was observed at 5 weeks of initiation of therapy. Conclusion: Rebamipide 2% is effective in improving the signs and symptoms of allergic ocular diseases and is well-tolerated. It helps in reducing the dependence on steroids for the treatment of allergic keratoconjunctivitis.