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Vernal keratoconjunctivitis-like disease in adults
Andrea Leonardi1, Daniela Lazzarini, Laura Motterle
1Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. andrea.leonardi@unipd.it
Late-onset vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) affects adults similarly to children but with fewer corneal complications. This VKC-like disease impacts work and social life, despite not being a primary limiting factor.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) typically affects children.
- Late-onset VKC-like disease presents challenges in understanding its adult manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clinical, demographic, immunologic, and quality-of-life data in adult patients with late-onset VKC-like disease.
- To compare these features with pediatric VKC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational case series of 49 adult patients with late-onset VKC-like disease.
- Assessment of disease history, allergen sensitivity, symptoms, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction.
- Tear cytokine analysis (Th1/Th2) in adult and pediatric VKC patients and controls.
Main Results:
- Adult VKC-like disease showed less frequent family history of allergy (28%) and positive prick tests (55%) compared to typical VKC.
- Limbal, tarsal, and mixed forms were observed, with corneal ulcers in only 2 patients.
- Reduced productivity (26%) and social activity (31%) occurred during flare-ups; tear cytokine patterns did not differ significantly between adult and child VKC.
Conclusions:
- Late-onset VKC-like disease in young adults mimics pediatric VKC symptoms but involves less corneal damage.
- This condition can impact daily functioning and quality of life in adults.
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