Can VKC cause blindness?

Can VKC cause blindness?

As untreated VKC can lead to permanent visual loss, pediatric allergists should be aware of the management and therapeutic options for this disease to allow patients to enter clinical remission with the least side effects and sequelae.

What are the complications of conjunctivitis?

Complications

• a severe case of allergic conjunctivitis can lead to scarring in the eye.
• in cases of infective conjunctivitis, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, triggering more serious secondary infections, such as meningitis.

How rare is vernal conjunctivitis?

The authors reported a higher rate in males under 16 years of age (10 in 100,000) compared with females (4.2 in 100,000). How might vernal keratoconjunctivitis be treated? Management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) focuses on preventing allergic attacks as well as relieving the signs and symptoms of the condition.

What causes VKC?

The cause of VKC is a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction of the eyes to airborne allergens. The pathogenesis of ocular allergies is related to a complex exchange of information between tissues through cell-to-cell communications, chemical mediators, cytokines, and adhesion molecules.

Is vernal conjunctivitis serious?

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a seasonally recurring, bilateral, and severe form of allergic inflammation affecting the ocular surface. This relatively uncommon type of allergic eye disease can cause severe damage to the ocular surface, leading to corneal scarring and vision loss if not treated properly.

Can girls get vernal keratoconjunctivitis?

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis affects boys twice as often as girls and is more common in persons of Asian and African descent. It affects primarily children in temperate areas, with exacerbations in the spring and summer, but can occur throughout the year.

Does conjunctivitis cause swelling?

Symptom: Swollen, Red Eyelids If the cause is viral, symptoms start in both eyes at the same time. Symptoms of allergic pinkeye usually involve both eyes and almost always includes itching. Swelling of the eyelids is more common with bacterial and allergic pinkeye.

Is pink eye life threatening?

Most cases of conjunctivitis are relatively mild and will not cause eye damage of any sort. In rare cases, complications may develop that can be serious and even life-threatening.

How long does vernal conjunctivitis last?

While it is considered a long-term disease with an average duration of 4–8 years, VKC generally subsides before or just after puberty [1, 2, 4]. It can persist or reactivate after puberty, however, a VKC-like disease has been found in young adults without any history of allergic disease in childhood [9].

What is Vernal infection?

What Is Vernal Conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an infection that causes discomfort, redness, and irritation in the tissues that line the eyes. It is more commonly referred to as “pink-eye.” Most cases of conjunctivitis are caused by viruses or bacteria.

How do you get rid of vernal conjunctivitis?

Treatment may include:

1. Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drops that are placed into the eye.
2. Eye drops that prevent a type of white blood cell called mast cells from releasing histamine (may help prevent future attacks)
3. Mild steroids that are applied directly to the surface of the eye (for severe reactions)

Can conjunctivitis make you feel ill?

Your eyes may feel gritty, watery or sticky and your eyelids may become swollen and get stuck together, especially in the mornings. Your vision may be blurred due to tears or sticky discharge. You may also get flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, muscle ache, and feel generally unwell.

What are the possible complications of bacterial conjunctivitis?

However, presence of a large population of bacteria on the conjunctiva exposes the patient to a higher risk of keratitis, particularly in conditions associated with corneal epithelial defects, such as dry eye. [ 80]

Can allergic conjunctivitis cause severe ocular surface disease?

Somasheila I Murthy The diagnosis of allergic diseases has increased in the last few decades and allergic conjunctivitis has emerged as a significant problem, which can cause severe ocular surface disease. Patients complain of itching, watering and redness.

What are the different types of conjunctivitis?

Seasonal conjunctivitis (SAC) Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) Contact lens induced papillaryconjunctivitis (CLPC) Perennial conjunctivitis (PAC) Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) Open in a separate window Perennial allergic conjunctivitis

What are corneal complications of visual keratoconjunctivitis in children?

These corneal complications can cause permanent decrease or loss of vision in children suffering from VKC. Summary: Corneal complications in VKC are the result of an on-going process of uncontrolled inflammation.