Conjunctival Autograft for Bilateral Tarsal Keratinization in a Case of Chronic Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

This report describes the clinical features and management in a case of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) with bilateral tarsal conjunctival keratinization. A 32-year-old male presented with VKC since childhood that had exacerbated in the eight years prior to presentation. Examination revealed partial limbal stem cell deficiency in both eyes, with keratinization of the superior tarsal conjunctiva. The corresponding areas of the cornea exhibited punctate keratopathy in both eyes. To address this, the patient underwent excision of the conjunctival keratinization in both eyes. The resultant bare areas were covered with conjunctival autografts (CAGs). Postoperatively, the grafts were well apposed, and there was no recurrence of keratinization observed during the period of follow-up of four years. Resolution of corneal epitheliopathy was also noted. Although keratinization can occur in eyes with VKC, it is usually limited to the bulbar conjunctival areas. This is the first report of tarsal conjunctival keratinization in such cases. Milder cases may be observed or managed with scleral contact lenses. In more severe forms, there is associated corneal epitheliopathy, which may progress to corneal vascularization and scarring. Surgical excision of the lesion is recommended in these eyes. Following excision, several options exist to cover the bare area, which include a CAG, an amniotic membrane, or an oral mucous membrane. Of these, a CAG is an autologous tissue that can be harvested with a simple surgical technique and yields stable long-term results. Thus, tarsal conjunctival keratinization is a rare complication of chronic VKC. Excision of the lesion followed by a CAG is a viable approach for treatment, which reestablishes and maintains a stable ocular surface.