Corneal Complications And Visual Impairment In Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Allergic Eye Diseases
• Corneal Pathology

Background:

• Vernal kerato-conjunctivitis (VKC) is a serious allergic eye condition prevalent in warm, humid climates.
• It often affects children, causing discomfort and potentially impacting vision due to corneal complications.
• While self-limiting, VKC's ocular effects can diminish quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and document corneal complications associated with VKC.
• To assess the degree of visual impairment resulting from these complications in VKC patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 290 eyes of diagnosed VKC patients.
• Diagnosis confirmed via clinical history and examination.
• Visual acuity measured using Snellen's notation and visual impairment classified per WHO standards.

Main Results:

• Corneal scarring affected 20.3% of eyes, keratoconus 5.9%, shield ulcers 3.1%, and neovascularization 2.4%.
• Corneal scarring was the primary cause of visual loss in most affected eyes.
• Keratoconus was the complication leading to the most severe visual impairment.

Conclusions:

• VKC with corneal complications poses a significant threat to vision.
• These complications can result in profound and lasting visual impairment.