A Clinical Study of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Objectives : To study the variations in epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, disease process and various modalities of management in VKC. Materials and Methods : A hospital based prospective study of 70 patients presenting with symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis was done at Department of Ophthalmology, J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere, from June 2012 to May 2013. Multiple epidemiological (age, sex) and clinical parameters (type, symptoms, treatment, failure of treatment) were studied. All patients were appropriately managed and reviewed once in fortnight and follow up ranged from a minimum of 3 months to 6 months. Results: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was found to be the commonest type (64.3%) of allergic conjunctivitis. It was found to affect young males below 16 years (66.7%). Mean age group to be affected was 13.75 years with a mean duration of 4.87 years. Seasonal occurrence (75.5%) and itching (100%) were the predominant features. Palpebral form was the most common form of the disease (49%). Pulse steroid therapy was found to be a safe and effective method of management of vernal conjunctivitis. Conclusion: VKC is a common form of allergic conjunctivitis in a tropical country like ours. It is a bilateral, recurrent debilitating form of disease found to affect young males below 16 years. VKC is associated with other systemic atopy or family history of allergic disorders. Conjunctival eosinophils can be used as an evidence for diagnosis of VKC.