Childhood allergic conjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjuctivitis

Abstract

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis can be divided into seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis and is a common condition in children. Amongst the different types of of allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), a sight-threatening form, is particularly frequent in childhood. Methos/Data base: A review of studies of epidemiology and treatment of ocular allergies. Results: Early detection and treatment of severe ocular allergies such as VKC and atopic keratoconjunctivitis can preserve a child's normal vision and avoid disturbance in his/her quality of life. Patients suffering from ocular allergy symptoms should be assessed by experts in both opthalmology and allergy to obtain optimal diagnosis. Conclusions: Prompt and accurate diagnosis of ocular allergies is vital for the outcome. Therapy for VKC is more difficult than for regular allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Symptomatic treatment gives transient but significant symptom relief to most patients. Though response to conventional therapy is poor, FK-506 appears to offer a promising therapeutic choice for VKC. © 2004 Hogrefe & Huber Publishers.