LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS WITH ATOPIC KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

Objective: This study aimed to review the presenting features, treatme nt administered to, histopathologic findings, and complications encoun tered in a cohort of patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Design : The study design was a retrospective cohort series. Participants: Th e medical records of 20 patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis and a minimum follow-up of 3 years were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures: C onjunctival and corneal complications, visual acuity before and after surgery, and histopathologic features on conjunctival biopsy were meas ured. Results: Significant keratopathy developed in 70% of patients, c orneal neovascularization in 60%, fornix foreshortening in 25%, and sy mblepharon in 20% during the course of their disease, Eleven patients (12 eyes) required penetrating keratoplasty (3 for tectonic purposes a nd 8 for visual rehabilitation). Vision improved by four or more lines of Snellen acuity in four eyes, improved by two lines in two eyes, re mained the same in five eyes, and worsened by two lines in one eye aft er keratoplasty. Cataract surgery was performed in seven patients (nin e eyes) with vision improving by four or more lines in six patients (e ight eyes). Conclusion: Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is a potentially b linding disease that may result in a poor visual outcome as a result o f corneal complications, Elective surgical intervention may be of bene fit and can be considered in those patients whose inflammation is well controlled.