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Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

Limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

Category(ies): Cornea, External Disease
Contributor: Zachary Q. Mortensen, MD; Anthony T. Chung, MD; A. Tim Johnson, MD
Photographer: D. Brice Critser, CRA, OCT-C
external photo of Limbal Horner-Trantas dots apparent on a 54-year-old African American male the setting of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Severe VKC in a 17-year-old Afghani Male. Note the very large "cobblestone" papillae of the superior tarsal conjunctiva in both lids.

Limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

Limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

Category(ies): External Disease
Contributor: David W Hayes, DO, US Military Flight Surgeon
very large "cobblestone" papillae of the superior tarsal conjunctiva
Severe VKC in a 17-year-old Afghani Male. Note the very large "cobblestone" papillae of the superior tarsal conjunctiva in both lids.
very large "cobblestone" papillae of the superior tarsal conjunctiva
In this image, the concurrent bulbar conjunctival injection and limbal conjunctivitis is evident beneath the lid (see related EyeRounds case https://eyerounds.org/cases/70-Vernal-Keratoconjunctivitis-Atopic-Asthma.htm).

Limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

Limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

Category(ies): Cornea, External Disease, Pediatrics
Contributor: Jesse Vislisel, MD
Photographer: Stefani Karakas, CRA

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a seasonal disorder, predominantly seen in male children with a history of atopy, which results in inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Limbal VKC is most common in children of African or Asian descent and may occur alone or in combination with palpebral VKC. Clinical features include Horner-Trantas dots (raised, white accumulations of eosinophils at the limbus), gelatinous limbal follicles, and copious amounts of mucoid discharge.

Reference:

Koczman J, Oetting TA: Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: 8-year-old asthmatic male with reduced vision. EyeRounds.org. June 25, 2007; Available from: http://www.EyeRounds.org/cases/70-Vernal-Keratoconjunctivitis-Atopic-Asthma.htm.


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