TOPICAL TACROLIMUS FOR OCULAR INFLAMMATION

This study reported in the American Journal of Ophthalmology tested .02% Tacrolimus ointment 1-3 times per day on patients with various ocular inflammatory disease.   Their results and conclusion were:

Results
In all 3 groups, tacrolimus showed an immunosuppressive effect, especially on scleritis and Mooren ulcer. These effects included suppression of corneoscleral melting and reduction of hyperemia. In chronic cicatrizing conjunctivitis, simultaneous topical tacrolimus while tapering steroid therapy suppressed inflammatory relapse. The elevated IOP in steroid responders recovered to normal range after successful tapering of steroid. No adverse side effects were noted after 1.5 to 31 months of continuous tacrolimus treatment.
Conclusion
The use of topical tacrolimus ointment is effective in controlling refractory inflammatory ocular surface disease, and can reduce the need for steroid use while reducing inflammation recurrence.

Tacrolimus is currently used in the U.S. as an oral medication for the prevention of organ rejection and topically as .03%  or .1% ointment under the name Protopic for the treatment of atopic dermatologic disorders.