Epidemiology of vernal keratoconjunctivitis at a tertiary eye care centre in south India

Abstract

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, allergic inflammation of the tarsal and / or bulbar conjunctiva, that has a varied demographic profile. This study was conducted to know prevalence and presentation of VKC at tertiary eye care centre in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of VKC patients attending the cornea clinic in a tertiary eye care centre in Karnataka, south India from September 2018 to August 2020. Detailed history, ocular examination and corneal topography with pentacam of all the patients with VKC was done. Treatment protocol was followed as per disease severity. Results: Out of 1684 patients, 1028 (61.05%) cases were male and 656 (38.95%) were female. Mean age of presentation was 7.1±4.2 years. Chronic perennial disease was seen in 960 cases (57%). According to disease severity index most cases n= 863 (51.25%) presented with moderate VKC. Personal or family history of associated allergy or atopy was documented in 286 (17%) patients. Keratoconus was the most common complication associated with VKC n=243 (14.42%). The major sight threatening complication causing blinding disease was shield ulcer n=21(1.24%). Conclusion: In our study, chronic perennial form of VKC was more common in tropical savanna kind of climate in south India. Keratoconus was a significant association with VKC that can be detected early by screening with pentacam. However, association of VKC with allergy or atopy was less significant in this study.