INCIDENCE OF VERNAL KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS AND ITS IMPACT ON VISION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN WESTERN INDIA TERTIARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE

• Rupal Twinkle Shah,  
• Aarti Hitendra Dave,*  
• Abhishek Twinkle Shah,  
• Surveen Arneja Kaur,  
• Dhruv Rajeshkumar Gajjar

Abstract

Aim : The aim of the study is to find out incidence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in paediatric population and incidence of keratoconus in VKC patients presenting to the M & J institute of Ophthalmology, Ahmedabad.Materials and Methodology : This hospital-based study, encompassing both prospective and retrospective observational methods, unfolded over a period from July 2020 to July 2022, with a focus on vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in pediatric patients and its association with keratoconus. Apart from detailed ophthalmic examination, corneal topography, tomography and keratometry were performed at each follow-up visit, and follow-up protocols included monthly ocular examinations and visual outcome assessments every three months over a six-month duration, with documentation for both eyes. Results : The study investigated VKC incidence in pediatric patients at an Indian tertiary health center, noting variations in patient presentations linked to COVID-19 impacts. Males were more affected (M:F ratio ≈ 2:1), primarily aged 5-15 (mean age 11.28). Most patients had good vision (6/6 – 6/9). CCT assessments revealed 15% as keratoconus suspects with thinner corneas. Keratoconus incidence in VKC patients was 30%.Conclusion : The study revealed a 30% average incidence of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), peaking in spring 2022 possibly due to COVID-19's impact. VKC primarily affected 8 to 13-year-olds, more so males, with vision mostly preserved during follow-ups. Notably, 15% of patients showed reduced central corneal thickness (CCT) at diagnosis, often associated with keratoconus. Keratoconus prevalence was higher in VKC patients, with suspects showing thinner corneal locations. Ocular allergy was a significant keratoconus risk, detected via routine assessments. Eye rubbing's role in exacerbating keratoconus was emphasized, necessitating early intervention to preserve vision and quality of life in young patients.

Keywords

Keywords : Vernal keratoconjuctivitis, Keratoconus, Ocular tomography, Thin cornea, Keratometry

Ahead of Print Date : 2024-04-20