Vitiligo in association with vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic allergic eye inflammation affecting the conjunctiva and cornea.
• Eyelid skin and lashes are typically uninvolved in VKC.
• Localized depigmentation of the eyelid skin (vitiligo) and lashes (poliosis) can have various causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a 17-year-old male with VKC who developed vitiligo and poliosis.
• To investigate potential ocular and systemic causes for the depigmentation.
• To explore the possible link between VKC and the development of vitiligo and poliosis.

Main Methods:

• Detailed clinical examination of the ocular surface and eyelid skin.
• Systemic investigations to rule out other causes of depigmentation.
• Two-year follow-up to monitor for associated ocular or systemic conditions.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with VKC, subsequently developing vitiligo of the eyelid skin and lash poliosis.
• Thorough investigations excluded other ocular and systemic etiologies for the depigmentation.
• No other ocular or systemic illnesses associated with vitiligo and poliosis were observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is identified as the most probable cause of vitiligo and lash poliosis in this patient.
• This case highlights a potential, previously unreported, cutaneous manifestation of VKC.
• Further research is warranted to understand the immunologic mechanisms linking VKC to vitiligo and poliosis.