Keratoconus associated with limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis in African patients

A study conducted, by Prof Guy Ben Simon, at the St John Eye Unit of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, investigated the prevalence of keratoconus among African patients and its associated conditions. The study revealed that a majority of the patients were young males, and severe cases were predominant. Limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis was commonly linked to keratoconus, particularly in patients under the age of 20, and eye rubbing was significantly associated with this condition. Although corneal hydrops and vascularization were found to be more common in patients with vernal, the link wasn’t statistically significant. The study suggests that careful management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and diligent visual rehabilitation could potentially improve the visual prognosis for young adults affected by these conditions. These findings shed light on the complex interplay between keratoconus and related factors, calling for further research and targeted treatment strategies.