VERNAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

Vernal conjunctivitis (VC) is a bilateral, seasonal, external ocular i nflammatory disease of unknown cause. VC is most common in the spring, thus the name ''vernal.'' Affected patients experience itching, teari ng, photophobia, and mucus discharge, and they usually demonstrate lar ge cobblestone papillae on their superior tarsal conjunctiva or limbal conjunctiva. The disease primarily affects children, is related to at opy, and has geographic and racial predilections. Though usually self- limited, VC can result in potentially blinding corneal complications. Treatment of ocular allergies may necessitate collaborative efforts of the ophthalmologist and the allergist.