Characteristics of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Lhasa: A Single-Center, Observational Study

The incidence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) varies across different ethnicities and regions. To investigate the clinical features of VKC in Tibet, a single-center case series of VKC was retrospectively reviewed from a general hospital in Lhasa over one year. General data and typical manifestations were recorded. Horner-Trantas dots, limbal neovascularization, pseudogerontoxon and upper palpebral conjunctival papilla were seen in most of these patients. Patients with signs such as limbal pannus (t = 2.18, P < 0.05), pseudogerontoxon (t = 2.61, P < 0.05), and Horner-Trantas dots (t = 2.33, P < 0.05) appeared to have longer disease courses, while patients with upper palpebral conjunctival lesions had earlier onset times (t = 2.12, P < 0.05). The clinical signs of VKC on the Tibetan Plateau are more obvious, and the ocular surface is commonly and severely involved.