The relation of conjunctival and corneal findings in severe ocular allergies

Corneal lesions such as ulcers and erosions are major complications observed in patients with severe ocular allergic diseases. We aimed to look into the relationship between specific clinical conjunctival findings and the severity of corneal complications.

Thirty eyes of 6 patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and 13 patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) were evaluated in this study. Slit-lamp photographs of upper tarsal conjunctiva and cornea were used to evaluate the clinical findings objectively. The corneal findings and clinical findings of upper tarsal conjunctiva such as conjunctival injection, edema, the height of papillae, and mucous discharge were evaluated and graded. Statistical correlations between conjunctival findings and the severity of corneal damage were analyzed.

Conjunctival injection and edema significantly correlated with the severity of corneal complications. The height of the papillae and the amount of mucous discharge did not correlate with the severity of corneal complications.

Direct signs of inflammation such as injection and edema correlated with corneal damage. The height of papillae did not show a significant correlation with the corneal findings. Our results suggest that inflammation of the conjunctiva rather than mechanical factors may play a greater role in the formation of corneal damage in severe ocular allergies.