Modern approach to managing vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), an allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva affecting mainly children and adolescents, is categorized under the rubric of allergic conjunctivitis. Lack of uniform diagnostic and predefined staging criteria has been a bottleneck in formulating fixed guidelines to treat VKC. This lack of consensus among clinicians/researchers regarding diagnostic and grading standards has prevented us from making comparisons between the outcomes of different studies. To treat VKC, selection of a drug from many available options should be based on the duration and frequency of symptoms, grade and inflammation of giant papillae, and severity of corneal involvement. Consideration also should be given to the patient's specific needs. The basic tenet of treatment is optimal control of symptoms with a minimum of toxic side effects resulting from prolonged use of medication.
Kumar
Sunil
S
Toronto Western Hospital, 5th Floor West Wing, 339 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada. sunkaru79@hotmail.com
Gupta
Nitin
N
Vivian
Anthony J
AJ
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000276:immunology*; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D003315:Cornea / Q000276:immunology*; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000963:Antimetabolites; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents