Cryotherapy versus Topical Corticosteroid Eye Drop versus Topical Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drop in Management of Moderate Cases of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Mohamed Yasser Sayed Saif ¹, Khaled Gamal Ibrahim Abueleinen ², Abdel Rahman Shaaban Ahmed ¹, Hesham Ali Mohamed Ali Elsherif ^1*

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Suef University, Egypt.

²Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

^1*Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Suef University, Egypt.

*Corresponding Author: Hesham Ali Mohamed Ali Elsherif, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Suef University, Egypt.

Received: 16th Dec, 2025; Revised: 8th Feb 2026; Accepted: 12th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 28th Feb, 2026

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ABSTRACT

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, recurrent allergic ocular illness that might result in corneal complications and vision loss. Various treatment options exist, but the optimal management strategy for moderate cases remains unclear. The purpose of this research is to compare the effectiveness and safety of cryotherapy, topical corticosteroid eye drops, and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops (NSAIDs) in the treatment of moderate VKC.

Methods: This prospective randomized research involved sixty cases with moderate VKC, separated equally into 3 groups: Group A (cryotherapy), Group B (fluorometholone 0.1% suspension), and Group C (nepafenac 0.1% eye drops). Cases have been followed for six months, and outcomes assessed included resolution of symptoms and signs, recurrence, and complications.

Results: At three months, no significant intergroup differences were observed in symptoms, conjunctival hyperemia, papillae, or keratitis (p > 0.05), except for Trantas dots distribution (p = 0.0375). At six months, all groups demonstrated significant improvement. Group C showed the highest resolution of palpebral papillae (70%) and the lowest relapse rate (35%), compared with Group A (80% relapse) and Group B (50% relapse). No serious treatment-related complications occurred in any group.

Conclusion: Cryotherapy, corticosteroids, and NSAIDs are all effective in managing moderate VKC. However, cryotherapy remains a safe and useful non-pharmacological option, particularly for refractory cases.

Keywords: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, cryotherapy, corticosteroids, nepafenac, ocular allergy.

How to cite this article: Saif MYS, Abueleinen KGI, Ahmed ARS, Elsherif HAMA. Cryotherapy versus topical corticosteroid eye drop versus topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drop in management of moderate cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5s): 323-331; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5s.41

Source of support: None.

Conflict of interest: None