Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Updated September 09, 2009.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a seasonal allergic disorder that usually appears during the warmer months of the year. The term "keratoconjunctivitis" refers to inflammation of both the cornea and the conjunctiva. VKC is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the eyelids. While similar to eye allergies, VKC tends to run a much more severe course. The disorder is more common in males, typically occurring between the ages of 3 and 25.
VKC is usually a chronic condition, but symptoms are often worse during the spring season.
Symptoms of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
People afffected by vernal keratoconjunctivis usuallly experience severe itching of the eyes. A thick, white discharge often appears, along with a foreign body sensation and tearing. VKC sometimes causes the eyes to become swollen and red, making its symptoms similar to those of common eye allergies.
Causes of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is caused by factors similar to those of other allergies. In VKC, an allergic response is triggered by an over-reaction of the body's immune system to allergens, or foreign bodies. The immune system releases histamines and other mediators, resulting in itching, burning, and runny eyes that may become red and inflamed.
Diagnosis of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
Your eye doctor can diagnose VKC by listening carefully to your complaints and such factors as your age, the climate in which you live, and seasonal changes.
Using a slit lamp to magnify the structures of your eye, your doctor may notice large bumps, called papillae, underneath your upper eyelids. Small bumps also may be present around the border of your cornea, the clear dome-like structure on the front part of the eye. In cases of severe VKC, corneal ulcers are spotted on the upper part of the cornea.
Treatment of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
Treatment of VKC involves alleviating symptoms and preventing serious sight-threatening complications. Improper treatment of the condition can lead to permanent visual impairment. Oral antihistamines and antihistamine eye drops are typically prescribed. The use of chilled artificial tears often brings comfort to people suffering from VKC. Topical steroid eye drops are sometimes administered. Treatment is often long-term and multi-faceted, usually entailing several trips to your eye doctor's office.
Risk Factors for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
If you suffer from other allergies such as eczema, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, you are more likely to develop vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Because VKC occurs mostly in the warmer months, you may be more at risk if you live in a warm climate.
Source:
Primary Care of the Anterior Segment, Second Edition. Copyright 1995, Appleton & Lange.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a seasonal allergic disorder that usually appears during the warmer months of the year. The term "keratoconjunctivitis" refers to inflammation of both the cornea and the conjunctiva. VKC is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the eyelids. While similar to eye allergies, VKC tends to run a much more severe course. The disorder is more common in males, typically occurring between the ages of 3 and 25.
VKC is usually a chronic condition, but symptoms are often worse during the spring season.
Symptoms of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
People afffected by vernal keratoconjunctivis usuallly experience severe itching of the eyes. A thick, white discharge often appears, along with a foreign body sensation and tearing. VKC sometimes causes the eyes to become swollen and red, making its symptoms similar to those of common eye allergies.
Causes of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is caused by factors similar to those of other allergies. In VKC, an allergic response is triggered by an over-reaction of the body's immune system to allergens, or foreign bodies. The immune system releases histamines and other mediators, resulting in itching, burning, and runny eyes that may become red and inflamed.
Diagnosis of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
Your eye doctor can diagnose VKC by listening carefully to your complaints and such factors as your age, the climate in which you live, and seasonal changes.
Using a slit lamp to magnify the structures of your eye, your doctor may notice large bumps, called papillae, underneath your upper eyelids. Small bumps also may be present around the border of your cornea, the clear dome-like structure on the front part of the eye. In cases of severe VKC, corneal ulcers are spotted on the upper part of the cornea.
Treatment of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
Treatment of VKC involves alleviating symptoms and preventing serious sight-threatening complications. Improper treatment of the condition can lead to permanent visual impairment. Oral antihistamines and antihistamine eye drops are typically prescribed. The use of chilled artificial tears often brings comfort to people suffering from VKC. Topical steroid eye drops are sometimes administered. Treatment is often long-term and multi-faceted, usually entailing several trips to your eye doctor's office.
Risk Factors for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis:
If you suffer from other allergies such as eczema, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, you are more likely to develop vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Because VKC occurs mostly in the warmer months, you may be more at risk if you live in a warm climate.
Source:
Primary Care of the Anterior Segment, Second Edition. Copyright 1995, Appleton & Lange.