Topical tacrolimus in anterior segment inflammatory disorders

Immune mediated inflammatory anterior segment diseases are variable and their management requires intense immunosuppression. Treatment with topical steroids is associated with serious ocular side effects. In order to overcome the potentially blinding complications of topical steroids, immunomodulatory drugs are being used more frequently. Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor that induces suppression of T lymphocytes activity and reduction of ocular inflammation. Tacrolimus was recently investigated for application in various anterior segment inflammatory disorders. In this review, we will discuss the therapeutic application of topical tacrolimus as a steroid-sparing agent in treating T cell mediated anterior segment inflammation.