Prevalence of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis at the Eye Teaching Hospital of Shahrara in1401

Abstract

Background and Objective: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral allergic inflammatory disorder affecting the conjunctiva, upper tarsal plate, and cornea, with a relatively low prevalence. It predominantly affects children and young adults aged 1 to 25 years, with a reported male predominance. The primary symptoms include intense pruritus, accompanied by epiphora, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and burning. Thick, rope-like mucous discharge is frequently observed on the eyelids. Additionally, pseudoptosis may occur. These signs and symptoms can fluctuate throughout the year, typically exacerbating during the spring and summer seasons and subsiding in colder periods. The disease presents in three main clinical forms: palpebral, limbal, and mixed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) among patients who presented to the outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary eye hospital in Shahr-e-Ara during the Hijri year 1401.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved the collection and recording of data from the medical records of all patients who attended the outpatient department of the tertiary eye hospital during the Hijri year 1401.

Results: Over a one-year period (from the beginning of Hamal to the end of Hoot 1401 AH), out of a total of 26,000 patient visits to the tertiary eye hospital, 312 patients were diagnosed with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. The prevalence of VKC at this hospital in the year 1401 AH was 1.2%. Among these patients, 228 (73.1%) were male and 84 (26.9%) were female.

Conclusion: The prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis at the tertiary eye hospital in the year 1401 AH was 1.2%, with males and individuals under twenty years of age exhibiting the highest rates of affliction. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of this condition within the studied population.