Verkazia (ciclosporin 0.1%, 1 mg/mL) is a preservative-free eye drop that controls severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), a chronic allergic eye disease that mainly affects children and young people. It is an immunomodulator — it calms the over-active immune response that drives the disease — and is steroid-sparing, so children can avoid the risks of long-term steroid drops. It is used as one drop in each affected eye four times daily during active disease. In the UK in 2026, the medicine costs from around £228 per month, with a consultant ocular-surface assessment from £250. Verkazia is MHRA-licensed and NICE-recommended (TA824) for severe VKC in children aged 4 and over.
What is vernal keratoconjunctivitis?
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a severe, recurring allergic inflammation of the surface of the eye. It is far more intense than ordinary hay-fever conjunctivitis. It typically begins in childhood, is more common in boys, and often flares in spring and summer — though some children have year-round symptoms. Most children grow out of it by their late teens, but during active years it can be debilitating and, in a minority, can scar the cornea and threaten sight.
Verkazia works by suppressing the activated immune cells in the conjunctiva that release the chemicals causing itching, swelling and mucus. Because it targets the underlying inflammation rather than just masking symptoms, it can keep the disease under control and reduce the reliance on steroid drops, which are not safe for prolonged use in children.
Symptoms of VKC
- Intense itching — the hallmark symptom, often unbearable
- Marked light sensitivity (photophobia) and watering
- Thick, ropey mucus discharge
- A gritty, foreign-body sensation and constant eye rubbing
- Large bumps (giant papillae) under the upper eyelid
- In severe cases, a corneal shield ulcer — a sight-threatening complication needing urgent care
Is your child struggling with severe, itchy, light-sensitive eyes? A consultant assessment examines the cornea and ocular surface and creates a steroid-sparing plan.
Book an assessmentTreatment options for VKC
VKC is managed in steps. Milder disease responds to anti-allergy drops, while severe, sight-threatening disease needs an immunomodulator like Verkazia. Your consultant tailors the plan to how active the disease is.
Verkazia is closely related to Ikervis, a higher-strength ciclosporin drop used for severe dry eye — both are preservative-free ciclosporin treatments for the ocular surface, prescribed for different conditions.
How to use Verkazia
Verkazia comes in single-use, preservative-free vials. The usual dose is one drop in each affected eye, four times a day, while the disease is active. Good technique helps the drop work and reduces stinging.
- Wash hands and shake the vial gently before use, as it is an emulsion.
- Tilt the head back and pull down the lower lid to make a small pocket.
- Squeeze one drop into each affected eye; discard the vial after use.
- Close the eyes gently for a minute or two. If contact lenses are worn, remove them first and wait 15 minutes.
- If other eye drops are used, leave at least 10–15 minutes between Verkazia and them.
For a young child, a parent can instil the drops. Mild stinging on instillation is common and settles — a brief cold compress beforehand can help.
What to expect & monitoring
Verkazia controls disease over weeks rather than instantly. With regular use, itching and inflammation settle and the need for steroid drops falls.
First two weeks
Mild stinging or eyelid redness on instillation is common and eases. Symptoms begin to settle as the drops take effect.
4–6 weeks
Itching and discharge noticeably improve. A review checks the cornea and ocular surface and confirms the steroid drops can be reduced.
Through the season
Treatment continues during active months to keep the disease controlled and prevent corneal complications.
Ongoing
The dose may be reduced once the disease quietens. Most children improve over the years and eventually grow out of VKC.
Verkazia is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are short-lived eye pain or stinging on instillation and eyelid redness. Because it acts locally on the eye surface, body-wide effects are very uncommon. Your consultant monitors the cornea at each review.
Verkazia cost in the UK
The cost of treatment is the medicine plus consultant-led monitoring to keep the eye surface safe:
- Verkazia ciclosporin 0.1%: from around £228 per month — your consultant and pharmacy confirm the exact cost
- Consultant ocular-surface assessment: from £250, including cornea examination and treatment planning
- Insurance: many policies cover the consultation and monitoring — we help with authorisation
- NHS route: Verkazia is also available on the NHS for eligible children under NICE guidance
Explore related eye treatments or see our price guide for other procedures and consultations.