Perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation in Chinese patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Purpose: To document the disease spectrum and evaluate the presence of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation in Chinese patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

Method: A case-control study was conducted between November 2004 and July 2005. Patients aged 18 or younger with VKC and age-matched children attending our eye clinic for refractive or orthoptic problems were recruited and compared. Detailed slit-lamp examination was performed noting in particular the presence of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation, the severity of papillary reaction, and corneal complications of VKC.

Results: A total of 19 patients and 23 controls were evaluated. The presence of bilateral large tarsal or limbal papillae and epithelial defect were significantly associated with symptoms severity (Fisher's exact test, P=0.015 and P=0.035 respectively). All VKC patients were found to have perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation in at least one eye. There was a significant correlation in the colour and density of pigments between the two eyes (Sperman's rho=0.93, P<0.001). None of the controls was found to have such perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation (Fisher's exact test, P<0.001).

Conclusion: The presence of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation appears to be a consistent clinical finding in Chinese patients with VKC and may be a useful diagnostic sign for patients with subtle signs or symptoms.