Atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis: differences and similarities

Abstract

SummaryVernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) represents two severe forms of ocular allergies. In children both are rare diseases and may lead to visual impairment. VKC is a disease that affects primarily boys and children from 3 to 16 years old. Usually VKC disappears at adolescence. Photophobia and tearing are highly specific symptoms other than those usually observed in common ocular allergy as itching and grittiness. Two forms of the disease occur tarsal and limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Tarsal form is marked by cobblestone papillae on the superior tarsal conjunctiva. Limbal form is marked by a broad thickened, circumferential gelatinous opacification of the limbus. Horner‐Trantas dots are characteristic of this form. AKC in children can be misdiagnosed as the presentation appears similar however atopic dermatitis is accompanying the ocular allergy with skin dryness signs. The specific signs of each disease will be detailed. The diagnosis has to be performed as early as possible in order to specify the prognosis, regression in VKC, progression in AKC.