Corticosteroids and Cyclosporine Treatments for Thygeson’s SPK
Studying the opacities or lesions created by Thygeson’s SPK, also known as Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratopathy, Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratitis and TSPK, shows a crystalline appearance on the corneal surface that resemble snowflakes. They vary in location and fluctuate in numbers even on a weekly basis during a flare up of the condition affecting the integrity of the epitheilial surface of the cornea. Corticosteroids and Cyclosporine treatments are commonplace.
Corticosteroids are the most common method of treatment of Thygeson’s SPK (TSPK). The concerns associated with the long-term use of steroid eye drops include glaucoma and steroid-induced cataracts. Another preferred treatment involves a solution of Cyclosporine diluted with artificial tears, which is applied to the cornea a few times per day for up to two months.
There is a risk of nephrotoxicity associated with the use of Cyclosporine, yet the risk can be reduced if the concentration of the solution is low. Cyclosporine solution provides some degree of comfort, so it is not a cure for the condition. Cyclosporine is used as an immunosuppressant to prevent the rejection of corneal grafts and reduce corneal bodies. Thygeson’s SPK on the cornea disrupts the tear film, which is why artificial tears are often prescribed to relieve the feeling of the eyelids rubbing the lesions created by the disease and further aggravating the condition.
While symptoms can be relieved using Corticosteroids and Cyclosporine treatments , it is highly probable that the condition will recur.