Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (Spring Catarrh)

Key points

• • Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, or spring catarrh, is an allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva that returns each warm season.
• • It is most common in boys and young people, often those with other allergies such as asthma or eczema.
• • It causes intense itching, watering, a ropy stringy discharge and a dislike of light.
• • The lining of the upper eyelid shows large flat-topped bumps like cobblestones, and the edge of the cornea may show gelatinous spots.
• • Being an allergy, it tends to settle with age but can trouble vision if the cornea becomes involved.