Vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a bilateral, recurrent inflammatory disorder of the conjunctiva and cornea. Vernal comes from the Greek, meaning ''occurring in the spring,'' and aptly describes the usual seasonal predilection of VKC. Although generally believed to be a benign and self-limiting condition, VKC has the potential to produce serious visual consequences, not only as a result of the disease itself but also as a complication of its treatment. This chapter reviews the clinical and epidemiological features, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this disorder.