MMF and eye disease

Immunosuppressive treatment has shown to be effective in various ocular inflammatory disorders. Factors limiting their use are the individual response and the rate of side effects. This report summarizes our knowledge about the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), uveitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), prevention of graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and scleritis. Controlled studies have been performed for prevention of graft rejection after PK, showing MMF as effective in the prevention of graft rejection as cyclosporine A. In experimental uveitis, MMF has been demonstrated to be highly effective in prevention of retinal destruction. A number of studies have now shown that MMF also seems effective in uveitis. There are also studies with smaller patient groups which point out the effectiveness of MMF in OCP, AKC, and scleritis. In most of the studies, the spectrum of side effects was small, compared to other immunosuppressives.