Significance of Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, inflammatory eye disease primarily affecting young boys, often linked to a history of atopy. Characterized by allergic reactions, VKC leads to symptoms such as intense itching, photophobia, and tearing. It is a recurrent form of ocular allergy, frequently occurring in warmer climates, and is marked by chronic inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. VKC is a complex condition requiring management by an ophthalmologist, and it is associated with an increased risk of keratoconus.
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The concept of Vernal keratoconjunctivitis in scientific sources
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral inflammatory eye disease primarily affecting young boys, often linked to atopy. It's characterized by intense itching, light sensitivity, and mucoid discharge. VKC is an allergic reaction, possibly triggered by seasonal allergens, and requires ophthalmological management.
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is a complex chronic allergic inflammatory disease mainly mediated by Th 2 lymphocytes, and boys are mostly affected, with diagnosis often occurring in the first decade of life.[1] (2) This is a bilateral inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, often occurring in springtime or warmer climates, and commonly affects young boys with a history of atopy, leading to itching and light sensitivity.[2] (3) This is a chronic bilateral disease affecting children with a history of atopy, requiring management by an ophthalmologist, and carries an increased risk of keratoconus.[3] (4) VKC is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the cornea and conjunctiva, primarily in young boys, and it is often linked to a history of atopy.[4] (5) This is a more severe form of allergic conjunctivitis, often affecting boys in warm climates, and is characterized by chronic lymphocyte and mast cell infiltration of the conjunctiva, resulting in intense ocular pruritis.[5]