What is vernal keratoconjunctivitis?
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), also known as spring catarrh, is a rare but serious allergic disease affecting the eyes of young children, especially boys, who usually have other allergic diseases such as eczema and/or asthma. It usually begins before the age of 10 years and often disappears at puberty, though it may change at that time into another allergic eye disease known as atopic keratoconjunctivitis.
Children with VKC complain of itching of the eyes, watering and a stringy discharge. Their vision may be blurred and they may be abnormally sensitive to light. A typical symptom is that they may have great difficulty in opening their eyes after waking. This and the very distracting effects of the condition may cause them to miss school.
VKC produces inflammation of the eye surface. On the underside of the upper eyelids, tiny bumps shaped like cobblestones appear. Substances released from this tissue can cause damage to the cornea (the clear window of the eye). Sometimes a whitish deposit, known as plaque, may accumulate on the cornea, which may also become scarred, causing problems with vision.
How is vernal keratoconjunctivitis managed?
VKC is not a simple allergic condition like seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever conjunctivitis) as it involves various different types of immune reaction. This is why many cases need to be referred to the ophthalmologist, who in turn may refer them to other allergy specialists. Surgery is sometimes needed when plaque has accumulated on the cornea.
