What is atopic keratoconjunctivitis?

What is atopic keratoconjunctivitis?

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is the result of a condition called “atopy”. Atopy is a genetic condition where your immune system produces higher than normal antibodies in response to a given allergen. Although AKC is a perennial (year round) disease, your symptoms may worsen in the winter.

What is the cause of keratoconjunctivitis?

Keratoconjunctivitis is a group of inflammatory eye conditions involving the cornea and the conjunctiva. Allergies, viruses, and bacteria are among the causes. Some types are associated with congenital or autoimmune disorders. There are steps you can take to relieve symptoms.

Is atopic keratoconjunctivitis a rare disease?

A rare, chronic allergic disease of the cornea and conjunctiva occurring in all age groups, characterized by severe itching and burning sensation, conjunctival injection, photophobia and edema with serious cases leading to ulceration of the cornea which can result in blindness.

How long does keratoconjunctivitis last?

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (also sometimes referred to as viral keratoconjunctivitis) is a highly contagious viral infection of the eye. Symptoms can last up to two weeks or more. It is caused by adenoviruses and there is no specific treatment.

What are Trantas dots?

Peri-limbal Horner-Trantas dots are focal white limbal dots consisting of degenerated epithelial cells and eosinophils. Limbal disease can result in a limbal stem cell deficiency which can lead to pannus formation with corneal neovascularization. Corneal signs vary according to the severity of the disease process.

What is a Dennie Morgan fold?

Dennie-Morgan (DM) lines are small creases that form along your lower eyelids. These can lead the appearance of double skin folds beneath your eyes. Also called Dennie-Morgan folds, these lines aren’t associated with the natural aging process like wrinkles can be.

Can keratoconjunctivitis cause blindness?

Keratitis is usually easy to treat and clears up quickly. But if an infection goes deeper than the surface of your cornea, it can leave scars that damage your vision or even cause blindness.

Is keratoconjunctivitis pink eye?

The symptoms of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis can commence in one or both eyes and include: redness (“pink eye”) swelling of the eyelids.