Profile of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Nepal: a hospital based study

Abstract

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) or Spring Catarrh is recurrent, chronic, allergic conjunctivitis occurring in prepubertal age-group during spring and summer season. Though this is a self-limiting disorder, it often leads to visual impairment due to secondary corneal complications if not treated during active stage of the illness. Apart from this, the illness is known to affect the productivity and quality of life in school going children due to absenteeism and limitations to outdoor activities. Knowing the clinical profile of disease would provide the evidence for developing, treatment protocol in coming years. Therefore a hospital based study was designed to see the profile of VKC. Total of 220 patients were enrolled in this study. Male to female ratio with VKC was found to be 4:1. Clinical presentation showed seasonal variation; 78.2% during the spring and summer season. Bilateral involvement was seen in 100% cases, out of which 44.5% were limbal type. The best spectacle corrected visual status of better than 6/9 was in 96.4%, while 2.3% had vision less than 6/12. In 9.5% corneal involvement was seen as superficial keratopathy, while others, such as Shield ulcer, pannus, corneal scar, and keratoconus consisted of 8.3%. The disease is predominantly seen in male child with seasonal variation. Visual impairment is mainly due to involvement of cornea.