Efficacy of cryotherapy in vernal catarrh

Cryotherapy of the palpebral conjunctiva with oral aspirin has been evaluated in mixed-type active vernal keratoconjunctivitis. The symptoms and signs were recorded on a four-point scale. In 15 patients, we used cryotherapy of the palpebral conjunctiva in 30 eyes (-60 degrees C to -80 degrees C for 30 seconds, repeating the freeze-thaw cycle 2-3 times). All patients received oral aspirin 0.5 to 1.5 g in three divided doses daily over six weeks. The relief from symptoms was statistically significant (P less than .001). Objective improvement (palpebral and bulbar signs) also was statistically significant (P less than .001). Follow-up of these cases for one year showed a 3.3% recurrence rate.