Vernal keratopathy and its management

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Disease
• Allergic Eye Disease

Background:

• Vernal disease, a seasonal allergic eye condition, presents with characteristic corneal manifestations.
• Previous classifications of corneal signs in vernal disease exist.
• The management of corneal complications requires clear diagnostic criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical recognition and characterization of corneal signs in vernal disease.
• To propose a revised classification for 'remote' corneal signs associated with vernal disease.
• To analyze recent cases of vernal plaque and evaluate treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of literature on corneal manifestations of vernal disease.
• Analysis of 40 recent cases of vernal plaque in London.
• Evaluation of superficial keratectomy for plaque management.

Main Results:

• A revised classification of 'remote' corneal signs is proposed.
• Superficial keratectomy is established as a useful treatment for vernal plaque.
• New histological findings in vernal plaque were observed.

Conclusions:

• The proposed classification aids in understanding corneal signs of vernal disease.
• Superficial keratectomy is an effective intervention for vernal plaque.
• Further research will detail novel histological findings.