Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Kashmir: A temperate zone

The objective of this study was to observe the clinical features of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis attending the Outpatient Department of a mobile eye unit, Directorate of Health Services, Jammu and Kashmir over a period of 1 year. The greater prevalence of VKC is seen in the regions with hot, humid climate, and higher load of airborne allergens. The clinical profile of this disease seems to have geographical variation. The study was conducted in the mobile eye unit, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, a comparatively cooler area. All the patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis who presented to the OPD during this period were examined. The diagnosis of vernal keratoconjunctivitis was based on typical history, clinical features, and examination. All the patients with the complaints of itching, watering, and photophobia were examined. After proper history, clinical features, and ocular examination under slit lamp, the data were recorded for patients who were diagnosed with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Of all the patients who had allergic ocular disorders, a total of 212 patients were diagnosed as cases with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. This is a non-interventional study, and the ethical clearance was obtained from the regulatory board of the hospital. The study abides by the tenets laid down in the declaration of Helsinki. During this 1-year period, 212 vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients were examined, of whom 155 (73 %) were males and 57 (27 %) were females. As per the age group, 40 % (85) of patients were in the age group of 11–15 years. 93 % (197) of patients had bilateral disease, and 7 % (15) had unilateral. It was seen that 75 % (159) had seasonal attack. Different types of disease were observed: 77 % (163) had bulbar disease, 7 % (15) had palpebral, and 16 % (34) had mixed disease. During this period, we noticed that VKC led to complications also. It was seen that 3 % (6) of patients had steroid induced glaucoma, 5 % (11) had developed cataract, 6 % (13) of patients had keratoconus, and 6 % (13) of patients had corneal scarring. Other complications were also seen. VKC is a bilateral disease. Males are affected more than females. Ocular complications were seen in around 30 % of patients. Visual impairment ranging from severe visual impairment to blindness was observed in 2 % of patients. VKC patients should be instructed to use medication under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. There is a need to assess disease severity in order to develop standardized guidelines based on the stage of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.