Research Article: Classification of Subtypes of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis by Cluster Analysis Based on Clinical Features
Abstract:
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic ocular inflammatory disorder which is most prevalent among males, with onset typically occurring before age and resolving at puberty. VKC is characterized by severe inflammation affecting both the cornea and conjunctiva, such as hyperemia, chemosis, photophobia, mucous discharge, giant papillae of the upper tarsal conjunctiva, limbal Horner-Trantas dots, superficial keratopathy and corneal shield ulcers., Although the symptoms of VKC usually persist despite treatment, it generally subsides with the onset of puberty, but some therapeutic measures may be required beyond this age to control the course of the disease, especially in those cases associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), in whom permanent changes to the ocular surface may occur, accompanied by permanent visual impairment. Although cases have been treated with medical management and environmental control, varying responses to similar medication have been observed in VKC, and the reasons underlying the variation in clinical outcomes among VKC cases have been poorly studied and little understood. Therefore, there is a need to develop a novel classification of subtypes of VKC. The prognosis may differ according to the disease phenotype of VKC; however, to our knowledge, no attempt has been made to classify patients into subgroups based on VKC features and demographic characteristics.
Introduction:
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic ocular inflammatory disorder which is most prevalent among males, with onset typically occurring before age and resolving at puberty. VKC is characterized by severe inflammation affecting both the cornea and conjunctiva, such as hyperemia, chemosis, photophobia, mucous discharge, giant papillae of the upper tarsal conjunctiva, limbal Horner-Trantas dots, superficial keratopathy and corneal shield ulcers. , Although the symptoms of VKC usually persist despite…
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