Living with Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
A long-lasting, severe allergy of the eye surface that often flares in spring and summer, mostly in boys.
Understanding Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
It most often affects boys in warm, dry climates and often starts in childhood. Flares are common in spring and summer but can return in winter. GARD says it is caused by an allergic reaction to allergens in the air.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Increased tearing
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of something in the eye
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is caused by an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to allergens in the air. It doesn't list a gene.
Also known as: spring catarrh; vernal keratonconjunctivitis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Explore research for Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Explore actively recruiting Vernal keratoconjunctivitis studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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