Research progress in Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of Vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a form of allergic conjunctivitis, also known as spring ophthalmia because of its recurrent and cyclical nature, which occurs in spring and summer. The main symptoms are ocular itching, photophobia and tearing, discharge, and foreign body sensation, and physical signs include flattened and thickened lid conjunctiva with pavement-like papillae, and gum-like thickening of the corneal rim of the upper lid (Horner-Trantas nodule). The pathogenesis of VKC is not yet fully understood and remains controversial. There are currently many treatment options for VKC, with the mainstream treatments being Western medicine and Chinese medicine, but with varying efficacy and individual differences. The author reviews the progress of research in the treatment of VKC with Chinese and Western medicine.