Abstract :
Introduction: This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical profile and epidemiological variants
of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in a dry humid region of Gujarat state which is more prone to vernal
keratoconjunctivitis.
Materials and Methods: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a non-infectious aller gic reaction of conjunctiva,
also called as spring catarrh, is characterised by bulbar and palpebral conjunctival involvement with
characteristic signs and symptoms like redness, it ching, burning, ropy discharge. It is more common
in pre-pubertal males in spring and summer season. This study was carried out for duration of 12 months
at outpatient department, C U Shah medical college, Surendranagar. The patient data were recorded with a
specially prepared proforma. Age and gender of the patients were noted. The clinical diagnosis was based
upon history and characteristic signs and symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Special emphasis was
given upon age, first age of presentation, family history of rhinitis, atopy and eczema. An analysis of 112
patients was done.
Results: More than 80% of the examined patients were male, among these 75% of the patients were among
the age group of 5 to 10 years of age. More than 80 % patients were from rural areas. Almost them half of
the patients (50%) were from lower socio economical class. 60% of the patients were having the disease
presentation for the first time while the rest w ere having a recurrent disease. Almost all the patients
were having papillae upon bulbar conjunctive while 50% patients were having limbal gelatinization.
Characteristic Horner Tranta’s spots were present in less than 10 % patients. 70 % patients were having
perennial presentation and mixed form was the most common disease (75%). Itching and ropy discharge
were the most common symptoms (93% and 88% respectively).
Conclusion: The geographical pattern seen in this region is mostly similar to rest of Indian climate with
few distinct feat ures like less association with atopy and rhinitis and higher incidence of new cases.
Keyword :
Allergic eye disease, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis Gujarat.