Effect of Acetylsalicyclic Acid (Aspirin ) and Dexamethazone on Vernal Conjunctivitis - A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Vernal conjunctivitis is a common external eye disease, particularly amongst children and young adults, characterized by severe itching, papillae formation and brownish colouration of the eyes among others. Various treatment modalities are available with their various side effects.Asix-week open study was carried out to evaluate the effect ofAspirin and Dexamethazone in the treatment of vernal conjunctivitis. Twenty four patients with a mean age of 12.42 5.77 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into four groups A, B, C, D. GroupAhad a combinedtherapyofAspirin and Dexamethazone (Maxidex0.1%of eye drop);Group B had Aspirin therapy with Placebo drops (Normal saline); Group C had Dexamethazone therapy alone while Group D had Placebo drops only.Amarked improvement of the clinical features of vernal conjunctivitis, namely itching, limbal or tarsal papillae, conjunctival or scleral discoloration were noted within 6
weeks in group A, B and C while the control group, D showed no improvement. Thus Aspirin and Dexamethazone reduced significantly the clinical features of vernal conjunctivitis. Using the t-test at p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001, a comparative analysis was done and no significant difference in efficacy was found in groupsA, Band C. Therefore,Aspirin and Dexamethazone are comparable in action in the therapeutic management of vernal conjunctivitis and aspirin can be used as the only treatment optioninpatients that cantolerateits use.

Keywords: Aspirin , vernal conjunctivitis, dexamethazone, itching, papillae, conjunctival discolouration.