Supratarsal triamcinolone injection in the treatment of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of supratarsal triamcinolone injection in the treatment of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK).

METHODS: Forty eyes of 20 patients were diagnosed with SLK. All eyes with long-standing severe ocular irritation unresponsive to topical steroid and artificial tears were treated with supratarsal triamcinolone injection in addition to ongoing treatment of dry eye. Objective tarsal conjunctiva inflammation, bulbar conjunctiva, cornea staining, and subjective symptom gradings were performed before and after 2 weeks of therapy. All patients underwent laboratory evaluations of underlying systemic abnormalities.

RESULTS: All 40 eyes responded well to treatment and had long-term (average, 7.8 months) improvement of irritation and dry sensation and improvement of inflammation and staining of conjunctiva and cornea. Fourteen patients (70%) had associated autoimmune diseases. There were no irreversible complications related to this therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Supratarsal triamcinolone injection effectively and rapidly resolved symptoms and signs associated with SLK. It is helpful as primary or adjunctive therapy for SLK.