Presentation Patterns and Complications of Vernal-Keratoconjuntivitis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the pattern and complications of vernal-keratoconjunctivitis.

Study design: This is a retrospective observational study.

Duration and setting of study: This study was done on patients presenting to a private ophthalmologist's clinic in Peshawar over a period of fifteen months from July 2017 to October 2018.

Methods: Patient consent was not required. During the research, the principles of Helsinki declaration were strictly adhered to.

Results: In this study we evaluated 1180 patients suffering from vernal- keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). The majority of patients with VKC were male (75%). Out of 1180 patients, 378 (32.04%) had severe VKC. The most common complication was keratoconus (n=311, 26.35%). 4% patients had corrected visual acuity of less than 6/60 in their one or both eyes and four patients (0.34%) were blind with absolutely no perception of light. Sixty six patients (5.59%) had developed steroid induced glaucoma and forty two patients (3.55%) had steroid induced cataract. The
ocular findings patients with severe VKC that led to blindness or severe visual impairment were keratoconus, corneal ulcers, corneal plaques and scars, steroid-induced cataracts and steroid-induced glaucoma.

Conclusions: Vernal - keratoconjunctivitis can lead to vision loss and therefore need proper management. Use of steroids in VKC can lead to steroid induced glaucoma and catraract and should be used with caution.