Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
03:40
Nasolacrimal Lavage as a Treatment for Ocular Surface Toxic Soup Syndrome
Published on: April 25, 2025
Severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis successfully treated with subcutaneous omalizumab
Timothy A de Klerk1, Vibha Sharma, Peter D Arkwright
1Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom. timothydeklerk@yahoo.com
Summary
Omalizumab effectively treated severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis in a pediatric patient when corticosteroids and cyclosporine failed. This case highlights subcutaneous omalizumab as a potential monotherapy for refractory allergic eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
Background:
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe allergic eye condition.
- Refractory cases often require advanced immunomodulatory treatments.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with severe mixed limbal and palpebral VKC.
- Previous treatments with topical corticosteroids and cyclosporine were ineffective.
Findings:
- Monthly subcutaneous omalizumab led to complete resolution of ocular signs and symptoms.
- Omalizumab, an immunomodulating biologic agent, demonstrated efficacy as monotherapy.
Implications:
- This case suggests subcutaneous omalizumab may be a viable treatment option for severe, refractory VKC.
- Further research into omalizumab for allergic eye diseases is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...