Abstract

In this review study, efficacy and side effects of interferon alfa-2b (IFN-α2b) in treating the common ocular surface disorders is described. It was found that 1 million IU/mL of topical interferon alpha-2b administered four times daily was effective in treating various ocular surface disorders, including vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Ocular surface squamous neoplasia, conjunctival papilloma, and conjunctival melanoma. The treatment showed a significant decrease in symptoms and signs of the diseases and, in some cases, resulted in tumor regression with high tolerance and safety. Irritation was the most common reported adverse effect and complications after treatment with topical IFN-α2b are rare and not severe. IFN-α2b administration intralesionally effectively reduced the conjunctival lymphoma lesions with a dose of 1-1.5 mIU. There is limited reference to mention the effects of this interferon in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

Key words: Interferon; interferon alpha-2b; ocular surface disorder; conjunctivitis; pterygium.