Aspirin therapy in vernal conjunctivitis

Prostaglandin D 2 is a secondary mast cell mediator that causes redness, chemosis, mucous discharge, and eosinophil chemotaxis in the eye. It may play an important role in allergic ocular disease. Although histamine is a key mediator of allergic inflammation, antihistamine therapy provides only symptomatic relief. We added aspirin therapy to the treatment regimen of three patients with vernal conjunctivitis. Aspirin acetylates the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, thereby preventing the formation of prostaglandin D 2 . Within two weeks after initiation of aspirin therapy, we noted dramatic improvement in conjunctival and episcleral redness and resolution of keratitis and limbal infiltration. We recommend a trial of oral aspirin as adjunctive therapy for intractable cases of vernal conjunctivitis.