Vernal keratoconjunctivitis


In this article

  • Symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis
  • Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis
  • Specifics of lifestyle with keratoconjunctivitis
  • Prevention

Keratoconjunctivitis is an allergic inflammatory process of the eye membrane.
This disease can occur due to direct exposure of the organs of vision to cosmetics and chemicals. It can also be a reaction to the use of various medications, as well as to exposure to bacteria, viruses, ionizing radiation or light energy. This disease most often affects young and middle-aged people, both men and women. Sometimes allergic conjunctivitis can also appear in children (about 3 years old). Sometimes symptoms first appear in women during pregnancy. Although allergies do not have a negative impact on the health of the fetus, treatment can be difficult.

As a rule, conjunctivitis occurs immediately, immediately after contact with the allergen. Unfortunately, the specific structure of the human eye is such that it is easily accessible to a wide variety of negative influences.

Still, most often this disease manifests itself after exposure to house or library dust, pollen, animal hair, fish scales, plant pollen, cosmetics or household chemicals on the conjunctiva. In addition to symptoms affecting the eyes directly, a runny nose and cough may appear.

What it is?

Spring catarrh (spring conjunctivitis) is a bilateral chronic inflammation of the tissues of the eyeball and conjunctiva of the eyelids. Conventionally, the disease is considered allergic, and its exacerbation occurs in the warm season. However, in some patients this disease is a year-round phenomenon, the intensity of which varies depending on the average readings of the thermometer.

The disease most often affects children (boys over 4 years old) and young men under 25 years old. But recently, due to environmental deterioration and climate change, middle-aged men and, although very rarely, women have been experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

A few more facts: the disease most often occurs in countries with a hot, dry climate, located, for example, on the African continent or in South Asia. There are isolated cases of infection with spring catarrh in regions with a harsh climate: Norway, Sweden, Finland.

Causes

The causes of such an unusual disease are still not fully understood. Experts identify the following prerequisites for the development of spring catarrh:

  • Increased solar insolation.
  • Infections or poisoning with toxic substances.
  • Negative effects of allergens, especially food and medicinal ones.
  • Disorders of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland.
  • Genetic predisposition to this disease.

Most often, this disease affects people whose relatives and ancestors were prone to...

  • atopy,
  • asthma,
  • eczema,
  • vasomotor rhinitis.

Varieties

Experts distinguish 3 forms of spring catarrh:

  • Palpebral form. Its distinctive feature is the formation of papillary light pink flat formations on the upper eyelid, which can reach very impressive sizes as the disease develops. Such formations lead to deformation of the conjunctiva. Also, on the surface of the mucous membrane of the eyelid, viscous mucous “threads” or spiral-shaped accumulations are observed, irritating the eye and increasing itching.
  • Limbal form . The main symptom is a change in the conjunctiva of the eyeball, which is revealed in the growth of hypertrophied yellow-gray tissue in the form of a dense ridge that rises above the limbus. White dots and Trantas spots may be present on the surface of the conjunctiva, and when the condition improves, depressions in the limbus may be present.
  • Mixed form , in which the symptoms of the two previous types of the disease are combined.

Spring conjunctivitis

Spring conjunctivitis

– a seasonal allergic eye disease that occurs in spring and summer, characterized by damage to the conjunctiva and often the cornea. It occurs mainly in children 4-10 years old (usually boys) living in countries with warm climates.

Clinical signs are increasing itching of the eyelids, the appearance of photophobia, lacrimation, and the development of blepharospasm. Diagnosis is based on a history, examination data (hypertrophy of the papillae, deformation of the conjunctiva, there may be signs of keratitis), characterized by eosinophilia and increased levels of IgE in the blood.

Treatment includes protecting the eyes from sun radiation, taking antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and glucocorticoids.

Spring conjunctivitis (spring keratoconjunctivitis, spring catarrh) is one of the forms of allergic conjunctivitis that occurs in the warm season (mainly in March-July) and is manifested by damage to the conjunctiva and cornea. The main causative factors are increased solar insolation, hereditary predisposition and changes in hormonal status.

Spring conjunctivitis occurs, as a rule, in children aged 4 to 10 years, less often in 15-20 years. The vast majority of patients with spring catarrh are boys living in countries with hot climates (from 1 to 7% of the population). In regions with cold and temperate climates, the disease occurs much less frequently - in 0.01-0.2% of children and adolescents.

Most often, the disease gradually disappears during puberty.

Causes of spring conjunctivitis

To date, the etiology of the disease has not been clarified. The role of hereditary predisposition is assumed (allergic reactions in parents and family members of a patient with spring conjunctivitis are much more common than in relatives of healthy individuals).

Undoubtedly, increased solar insolation has an adverse effect on the conjunctiva, which is confirmed by the increased incidence of spring catarrh in countries with hot climates.

Endocrine factors and hormonal changes in the body also play a role (the onset of the disease in childhood and its regression during puberty).

In the mechanism of development of spring conjunctivitis, the leading role is played by delayed-type allergic reactions that develop in response to excessive insolation.

The chronic inflammatory process affects the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye, causing over time partial replacement of the mucous membrane with connective tissue, hypertrophy of the papillae, deformation of the conjunctiva, and, if complications develop, the appearance of ulcers on the cornea.

Spring conjunctivitis begins in children at the age of 3-4 years and quickly becomes chronic with exacerbations in the spring and summer.

The main symptoms are increasing itching in the eye area, worsening in the evening, the appearance of a burning sensation, the presence of a foreign body, and watery eyes when going outside in sunny weather.

Photophobia develops quickly, and blepharospasm and ptosis of the upper eyelids may occur. There are conjunctival (tarsal), limbal and mixed forms of vernal conjunctivitis.

With the tarsal (palpebral) form of vernal catarrh, hypertrophy of the papillae (“cobblestone pavement”) predominates, thickened jelly-like growths are formed, most pronounced on the upper eyelid and leading to deformation of the conjunctiva. On the surface of the mucous membrane of the eyelid, mucous discharge is visible in the form of individual threads or spiral accumulations. These viscous adhesive threads irritate the conjunctiva and increase itching.

The limbal form of vernal conjunctivitis is manifested by the development of an allergic inflammatory process in the prelimbal region (corneal-scleral junction) and the limbus itself, followed by proliferation of the papillae and deformation of the mucous membrane.

The hypertrophied tissue has a yellow-gray or pinkish-gray color, acts in the form of a dense roller, rising above the limbus. White dots and Trantas spots can be found on the surface of the conjunctiva, and when the condition improves, depressions in the limbus can be found.

In the mixed form of vernal conjunctivitis, the clinical signs of the tarsal and limbal forms of vernal catarrh are combined. All forms of the disease are characterized by damage to the cornea, which in severe cases is manifested by the development of punctate keratitis, clouding and ulceration of the cornea.

Diagnosis of spring conjunctivitis

In the process of diagnosing spring conjunctivitis, it is necessary to examine the patient by an ophthalmologist, as well as an allergist-immunologist.

Anamnesis data are taken into account (identification of cases of atopy in relatives, seasonality and connection with ultraviolet solar radiation, development of the disease mainly in boys before puberty), and the characteristic clinical picture of spring catarrh.

An ophthalmological examination of patients with spring conjunctivitis reveals typical hypertrophied papillary formations on the mucous membrane of the upper eyelids and eyes, as well as signs of damage to the cornea - pinpoint erosions and corneal ulcers.

To clarify the diagnosis of spring conjunctivitis, biomicroscopy of the eye is performed, tear fluid and conjunctival scrapings are examined (as a rule, eosinophilia is detected). There is often an increase in the content of eosinophils in the peripheral blood and the level of immunoglobulin E in the blood serum.

Differential diagnosis of spring conjunctivitis is carried out with other eye diseases - infectious, allergic, drug-induced conjunctivitis, keratitis, trachoma, and other allergic diseases, the clinical picture of which may contain signs of damage to the conjunctiva (rhinosinusopathy, bronchial asthma, etc.).

To minimize the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes of patients with spring conjunctivitis, it is recommended to wear sunglasses and limit the time spent outside during the daytime. In severe cases, when you are in areas with a hot climate, you sometimes have to change your country of residence.

Among the medications in allergology for spring catarrh, long-term use of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers in the form of drops (sodium cromoglycate, olopatadine, etc.) is practiced.

), although their effectiveness is not as high as with typical allergic conjunctivitis. To reduce itching, use a 3% solution of sodium bicarbonate in drops or a lotion of a weak solution of boric acid.

The basis for the treatment of spring conjunctivitis is the long-term use of glucocorticoid hormones in the form of solutions and ointments for topical use (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, etc.). If adverse reactions develop and there are contraindications, it is possible to replace glucocorticoids with topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - eye drops based on diclofenac, ketorolac.

For concomitant keratoconjunctivitis, metabolic agents (vitamins and dexpanthenol in the form of eye drops) are used. For long-term non-healing corneal ulcers, surgical intervention is possible - excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy.

The prognosis for spring conjunctivitis is generally favorable. In most cases, the disease resolves during adolescence without any consequences. For prevention, it is recommended to limit the time children spend in direct sunlight in the spring and summer in areas with increased solar insolation, and to wear sunglasses.

Source: https://www.krasotaimedicina.ru/diseases/allergic/spring-catarrh

Qatar eyes spring

Etiology and pathogenesis

unclear. It is believed that endocrine disorders, solar (ultraviolet) radiation and especially allergic factors play a role in the origin of the disease.

Clinical picture

. Photophobia, lacrimation, itching in the eyes, sensation of a foreign body behind the eyelids, heaviness of the eyelids. There are conjunctival, corneal and mixed forms of the disease. In the conjunctival form, the connective membrane of the cartilage of the upper eyelid has a milky tint and is covered with large flattened pale pink papillary growths, reminiscent of a “cobblestone street” in appearance. Papillary growths spread very rarely to the conjunctiva of the transitional fold of the upper eyelid. On the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid, which is slightly thickened, growths are either completely absent or sporadic.

The corneal form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of grayish-pale glassy thickenings of the limbus. The size of the thickenings varies. They are more often observed only within the palpebral fissure, but sometimes they cover the entire circumference of the limbus in the form of an uneven ridge. Inward from the limbal growths, gentle opacities of the cornea are occasionally encountered. Discharge from the conjunctival sac is either absent or insignificant, having the appearance of viscous mucous threads. The course is long-term with periodic exacerbations, mainly in spring and summer. The disease usually occurs in adolescence and subsides after many years.

Diagnosis

is based on the nature of subjective phenomena, the seasonality of exacerbations of the process and mainly on the clinical picture. Eosinophils are often found in conjunctival scrapings during an exacerbation, and mast cells during remission. Doubts may be raised by atypical, mild forms of the disease, but even here the peculiar type of growths, especially detected by biomicroscopy, makes it possible to distinguish them from trachomatous, follicular and phlyctenulous rashes.

Treatment

. Installation of a weak solution of acetic acid into the conjunctival sac (2-3 drops of diluted acetic acid per 10 ml of distilled water several times a day); 0.25% zinc sulfate solution with the addition of 10 drops of adrenaline hydrochloride solution 1:1000; 0.25% dicaine solution, 1-2 drops 3-6 times a day. Local application of 1% emulsion and ointment of cortisone, 0.5% adreson and other corticosteroids several times a day is effective. It is recommended to take orally a 10% solution of calcium chloride, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, or calcium gluconate 0.5 g 3 times a day before meals, riboflavin 0.02 g 2-3 times a day, diphenhydramine 0. 05 g. 2 times a day, diprazine 0.012-0.025 g. 2-3 times a day, 10% Lagochilus infusion 3-4 tablespoons a day. In some cases, improvement is observed from radiotherapy (single dose 100 R, irradiation at intervals of 2-3 days, total dose for each eye 200-300 R). Cauterizing agents are contraindicated. It is advisable to wear sunglasses. Sometimes climate change is beneficial.

Forecast

favorable in terms of vision. One should keep in mind the long course, exacerbations and relapses of the disease.

Spring catarrh: the best ways to fight it

Spring catarrh got its name due to the fact that its exacerbation occurs mainly in the spring, as well as in the summer. And the inflammation process subsides in autumn and winter.

However, if the weather is sunny in winter, the disease may still worsen. Most often it manifests itself in childhood recurrence, usually in boys of about four years of age, and by the time of puberty the disease gradually recedes.

Those boys who live in arid regions are most susceptible to the disease. Also, a person suffering from spring catarrh of the eyes is characterized by photophobia. Actually, photophobia is the increased sensitivity of the eye to light of any origin. Spring catarrh is also characterized by itching and watery eyes.

A large thickening of light pink color forms on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, and the conjunctiva is covered with a thin film. With further development of the disease, these formations may appear on the cornea of ​​the eye.

Until now, it has not been possible to fully establish the cause of catarrh. There is an assumption that it manifests itself under the influence of ultraviolet radiation in the best case of photophobia.

Features of the course of the disease

As mentioned above, spring conjunctivitis continues until puberty (less commonly, it can develop up to 25 years). This suggests that the endocrine system plays a special role here, in which changes occur in the growing body.

Sometimes it happens that the disease lasts all year round, people with allergies to food and medications are prone to this, otherwise this is called an allergic history, people with other allergies are also susceptible to this, for example, bronchial asthma, eczema and so on.

Symptoms of spring catarrh: itching, burning, increased tearing, redness, photophobia.

The disease itself resembles tarchoma when a secondary infection is attached. The process itself can last for years, which leads to prolapse of the organ. There is an assumption that the basis of spring catarrh is a slow reaction of the mucous membrane to insolation. Insolation is the irradiation of any surfaces with sunlight. This is confirmed by the presence of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the conjunctiva.

Well, the disease actually begins with a simple itching in the eyes, which at first you can ignore, but later this itching becomes terribly unpleasant and quite difficult to tolerate. The itching begins to intensify towards evening, so the child’s sleep is disturbed.

The child also becomes more irritable. The itching is subsequently accompanied by thread-like accumulations under the upper eyelid, which only provokes more itching. But still, these threads can be easily removed with a regular cotton swab. Other symptoms appear after the cornea is damaged.

There is bilateral and unilateral eye damage. The first is more common and is a weaker form of conjunctiva. But a unilateral lesion is much more serious, because children experience torticollis, which requires long-term treatment.

Varieties of spring catarrh

There are three forms of vernal conjunctivitis: palpebral, limbal and mixed.

The palpebral form is characterized by the appearance of papillary formations within the upper eyelid. These papillae are light pink and flat. Before the papillae appear, the conjunctiva is thickened and milky in color. The papillae can sometimes reach larger sizes.

The limbal form is characterized by changes in the conjunctiva of the eyeball. A yellow-gray growth is found in the palpebral fissure. When the cornea is affected, visual acuity usually decreases.

There are also cases when the patient’s prelimbal conjunctiva is affected. But even in such situations, the conjunctiva remains practically unchanged, so the accuracy of vision does not decrease. The newly appeared tissue grows on the limbus. The surface of the cornea becomes uneven, shiny, and white dots appear. When depressions appear in the limbus, this indicates that the disease is disappearing.

After the process of expansion of the superior limbus, micropannus is likely to develop. Along the limbus there is dryness of the cornea with a small coating, which is tightly connected to the corneal epithelium.

When the cornea becomes covered with dotted areas that are stained with fluorescein, this indicates epitheliopathy. There are cases when large areas of corneal erosion appear. With rapid treatment, the epithelium can quickly be restored. A flat ulcer may form on the cornea.

If erosion is not treated for a long time, then it is subsequently covered with a dryish film, its edges lag slightly behind the corneal tissue and they can break off without any difficulty if you directly intervene in this process. But in the central part, this film is very tightly connected to the cornea, so it is not so easy to remove.

If a secondary infection or complication occurs when using drugs, then purulent ulcers may occur with spring conjunctivitis. The symptoms of this disease are very typical, so making a diagnosis will not be difficult. Only old forms of the disease can be differentiated.

How to recognize pathology?

The main signs and symptoms of spring catarrh are considered to be:

  • Photophobia is increased sensitivity of the eye to light, both from sunlight and from an electric light bulb.
  • The formation of papillary thickenings of light pink color on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid and the cornea of ​​the eye, externally resembling the surface of a cobblestone street.
  • Cloudiness of the conjunctiva.
  • Discharge of white mucous or sticky “threads” from the eyes.
  • Itching.
  • Severe burning sensation.
  • Profuse lacrimation.
  • Feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
  • Spasm of the eyelids.
  • Decreased visual acuity.
  • Eyelid pigmentation.

Clinical picture

Rice.
7. Conjunctiva of the upper eyelid and eyeball with a mixed form of spring catarrh (the upper eyelid is everted). In typical cases, the conjunctiva of the cartilage of the eyelids is affected - the palpebral (tarsal) form or the conjunctiva of the eyeball around the limbus - the bulbar (limbal) form; both forms can exist at the same time - a mixed form of V. to. (color. Fig. 7); the remaining parts of the conjunctiva are not involved in the process.

VK is accompanied by photophobia and often unbearable itching in the eyes; due to some drooping of the eyelids, patients look tired and sleepy.

Rice. 6. Conjunctiva of the upper eyelid with the tarsal form of vernal catarrh (the upper eyelid is everted).

With palpebral form

The conjunctiva of the cartilage of the upper eyelid is covered with large, flat, dense to the touch, closely seated papillary growths, which gives the conjunctiva an appearance reminiscent of a cobblestone street (print. Fig. 6). In this case, the entire conjunctiva becomes cloudy and, as if covered with a thin white film, acquires a bluish tint; in mild cases, the clinical picture of the disease is limited to the described coloring of the conjunctiva and the presence of only isolated papillary growths on it.

Bulbar (limbal) form

V. to. is characterized by the development of yellowish-gray glassy gelatinous and dense growths at the limbus of the cornea, Ch. arr. in the area of ​​the palpebral fissure; the growths have a triangular shape, with the base facing the cornea; often they surround the entire limbus. The cornea may also be involved in the process, in which sometimes marginal infiltrates appear and a circular opacification occurs, reminiscent of a senile arch. With bulbar form

V. to. conflicts may appear, which quickly develop, resolve, or ulcerate, followed by epithelialization.

Diagnostics and differential diagnostics

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis is relatively simple and generally available. In order to establish the presence of signs of conjunctivitis, you first need to know that the conjunctiva is normally smooth, shiny, moist, pink and highly sensitive. In the absence of inflammation, photophobia, lacrimation, eyelid spasm, mucopurulent or other discharge are not observed. Consequently, a routine general examination of the eye area, and then with an open palpebral fissure, will help to identify the listed signs of inflammation earlier. At the slightest suspicion of conjunctivitis, you should take a smear from the conjunctiva and do a culture to determine the flora and its sensitivity.

Diagnostics

An ophthalmologist together with an allergist-immunologist can diagnose spring catarrh. When making a diagnosis, the patient’s medical history, the morbidity pattern of his relatives are usually studied, and the existing symptoms are visually determined: typical hypertrophied papillary formations on the mucous membrane of the eyelids and eyeballs, as well as lesions of the cornea.

It is also advisable to perform biomicroscopy of the eye, examine tear fluid and conjunctival scrapings. At this stage, it is important to differentiate spring conjunctivitis from other eye diseases with similar symptoms: infectious, allergic, drug-induced conjunctivitis, keratitis, trachoma and other allergic diseases.

Diagnosis of spring catarrh.

Diagnosis of spring catarrh in children is quite simple. Doctors take into account age, seasonality (spring, summer), and perform ophthalmoscopy. This disease should be distinguished from eye diseases of other nature. To do this, biomicroscopic examinations of the separated eye are carried out, scrapings are taken from the mucous membrane of the eyelids, and areas of plaque and nodules are examined. Modern laboratory allergy diagnostics is relevant. To carry it out, scrapings and discharge are taken, in which eosinophils are found in large numbers.

It is imperative to conduct a general examination of the sick child, since spring catarrh can occur together with other diseases: rheumatism, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, neurodermatitis.

Spring Qatar – All about massage..

Spring conjunctivitis or spring catarrh is a chronic disease that affects the conjunctiva of the eyes. This is a bilateral inflammation, conventionally refers to allergic diseases. Also read about allergic conjunctivitis here. Spring catarrh is a rather long-term disease and lasts from five to ten years.

Spring catarrh is a recurrent, bilateral inflammation that primarily affects boys living in warm, dry climates. It is an allergic disorder in which IgE and cell-mediated immune mechanisms play an important role.

¾ of patients have associated atopy, and 2/3 have atopy in their relatives. These patients often develop asthma and eczema in childhood.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis usually begins after 5 years of age and continues until puberty, rarely persisting for over 25 years.

Spring catarrh can occur seasonally, with a peak in late spring and summer, although many patients experience the disease year-round. Keratoconus is common in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, as are other types of corneal ectasia such as pellucid marginal degeneration and keratoglobus.

Causes of spring catarrh

What causes spring catarrh?

The reason for the development of spring catarrh has not yet been fully elucidated. Painful phenomena are especially evident in spring and summer. It is believed that the disease is caused by the action of ultraviolet rays with increased sensitivity to them.

Spring catarrh, as a rule, is observed in boys, begins at the age of 4 years, continues for several years, worsening in the spring and summer, and completely regresses during puberty, regardless of the treatment methods used. These facts indicate a certain role of endocrine changes in a growing organism.

Spring catarrh is characterized by pronounced seasonality: it begins in early spring (in March-April), reaches a maximum in summer (in July-August), and regresses in autumn (in September-October). In the southern regions of our country, as a rule, an exacerbation of the disease begins in February and ends in October-November.

The year-round course of the disease is observed in persons with a burdened allergic history (food and drug allergies), or concomitant allergies (eczema, neurodermatitis, vasomotor rhinitis, bronchial asthma).

The seasonality of the disease is less pronounced in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.

It is believed that a prerequisite for its development may be:

  • infections or poisoning with toxic substances;
  • excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
  • influence of allergens.

Spring catarrh most often occurs in people with a genetic predisposition to atopy, suffering from other types of allergies, asthma, eczema, and vasomotor rhinitis. It is also assumed that the disease is related to dysfunction of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland.

Spring catarrh of the eye - manifestations

The main symptoms of eye disease are itching, severe burning, foreign body sensation, and excessive lacrimation. Often the patient suffers from photosensitivity and develops photophobia. The clinical picture increases quickly, and the discomfort becomes unbearable, leading the child to crying, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

Next, the eyelids and conjunctiva become red and inflamed, and white liquid in the form of thick mucous or sticky threads is released from the eyes.

With damage to the cornea comes spasm of the eyelids and a temporary decrease in visual acuity. In some forms of spring catarrh, pink papillary formations grow on the eyelids, and the conjunctiva thickens.

In other forms, the growths have a yellow tint and are prone to keratinization. The disease may be accompanied by pigmentation of the eyelids. Scratching the eyes often leads to erosions, ulcers, and infection in the tissue.

Symptoms of spring catarrh

Subjectively, photophobia, lacrimation and severe itching in the eyes are noted. Characteristic is the formation of large, hard, flattened, milky-pink growths on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, which gives it a cobblestone-like appearance.

In this case, the conjunctiva becomes cloudy and seems to be covered with a thin whitish film. Similar growths can also appear on the cornea. The process is usually two-way.

If signs of spring catarrh appear, the patient should be referred to an ophthalmologist.

The conjunctival form of the disease is manifested by the formation of papillary growths in the form of a “cobblestone pavement” on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid. There is thickening of the conjunctiva, its dullness, pallor (milky tint). On the surface of the conjunctiva, a thread-like discharge of a viscous structure is visible. The inflammatory process does not affect other parts of the conjunctiva.

The lumbar form of vernal catarrh in a child is manifested by the proliferation of prelimbal tissue, which forms a gelatinous ridge of a yellow-gray or pink-gray hue. The tissue that has formed can grow on the limbus area and even the cornea.

Its surface is uneven, shiny, with prominent white dots (known as Thrantas spots). The composition of white dots is dominated by eosinophils and altered epithelial cells.

During the period of regression of the disease, depressions appear in this zone (in the scientific literature they are called the pits of Trantas).

In the mixed form of the disease, the process affects the tarsal conjunctiva and limbal zones. Changes in the cornea are accompanied by severe lesions of the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, and vision decreases.

Diagnosis of spring catarrh

Diagnosis of spring catarrh in children is quite simple. Doctors take into account age, seasonality (spring, summer), and perform ophthalmoscopy. This disease should be distinguished from eye diseases of other nature.

To do this, biomicroscopic examinations of the separated eye are carried out, scrapings are taken from the mucous membrane of the eyelids, and areas of plaque and nodules are examined. Modern laboratory allergy diagnostics is relevant.

To carry it out, scrapings and discharge are taken, in which eosinophils are found in large numbers.

It is imperative to conduct a general examination of the sick child, since spring catarrh can occur together with other diseases: rheumatism, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, neurodermatitis.

Treatment of spring catarrh

Treatment of spring catarrh is symptomatic. If the disease is mild, you should take Alomide or Lecroplin 3 times a day for three or four weeks. If the disease is severe and severe, then it is necessary to use epersadlerg or allergofatal, twice a day.

To get rid of the disease as quickly as possible, you need to combine various antiallergic drops with corticosteroids. You need to use eye drops, preferably Dexanos or Maxidex. They also need to be used two or three times a day for three or four weeks.

Treatment and prevention of spring catarrh

For prevention, antihistamines are also prescribed, for example, Suprastin or Claritin. Must be used within ten days. To get rid of ulcers on the cornea, reparative drugs are used, these can be various eye drops (Vitasip, Taufol, and so on). These drops need to be instilled approximately twice a day to improve the condition of the cornea.

And if the disease has reached its final phase, in which all of the above does not help, then a special course of treatment is prescribed. The patient is given 4 to 10 injections of histoglobulin. Cryotherapy can also be used, that is, cold applications, the temperature of which reaches minus seventy degrees Celsius.

Treatment can be monitored based on immunoglobulin registration, and not just clinically.

For some patients, sometimes even surgical intervention is necessary: ​​the affected areas are removed, sometimes they are even replaced with automucosa.

You just need to remember that the cause of an allergic reaction in the body can be medications, pollen, dust, dog or cat hair, or food.

Allergies manifest themselves in the form of local or widespread skin rashes, swelling, and itching. As a rule, it is accompanied by a runny nose, fatigue, bronchospasms, and indigestion.

Spring catarrh and allergic manifestations can be short-term or permanent.

In addition to the basic complex treatment, the Tibetan acupressure technique can also very successfully help us in the treatment and prevention of this problem.

And if you approach treatment wisely in combination with acupressure and self-massage, it is possible to achieve very noticeable results for various types of allergies.

Source: https://fine-massage.ru/vesennij-katar/

Treatment options

Spring catarrh requires mandatory medical intervention. Self-medication is unacceptable, which can lead to aggravation of the patient’s condition up to complete loss of vision.

Lifestyle specifics

A person with such an unusual disease during periods of increased ultraviolet radiation should avoid going outside during hours when the sun is at its zenith. An important and integral accessory for such a patient is high-quality sunglasses with good polarization and a sun filter.

Important! Since spring catarrh is considered an allergic disease, in order to avoid its exacerbation it is necessary to avoid contact with allergens: food, medicines, pollen - everything that can cause a deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Medicines

The drug treatment regimen is based on the use of drugs that can relieve discomfort, reduce eye sensitization and prevent subsequent exacerbations.

The best option is a combination of antiallergic drops with corticosteroids. In such cases, doctors usually prescribe Dexanos or Maxidex 2-3 times a day for 3-4 weeks, in difficult cases twice a day Epersadlerg or Allergofatal. It would not be superfluous to take oral antihistamines for at least 10 days: Suprastin, Claritin, L-cet and others. To improve the condition of the cornea, reparative drugs are usually used 2 times a day: Vitasip, Taufol.

In severe cases, the patient is given 4-10 injections of Histoglobulin, and sometimes the affected areas of the mucous membrane are removed surgically. Innovative treatment methods will have a good effect - cold applications, the temperature of which can reach -70C.

Treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis

To reduce the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the conjunctiva and cornea, people suffering from spring conjunctivitis are prescribed to wear sunglasses. In addition, the time such people spend on the street during daylight hours should be limited.

Drug treatment is carried out as prescribed by a doctor, long-term therapy with antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers is prescribed. These medications are prescribed as drops.

An effective method of treating spring catarrh is glucocorticoid therapy (hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, etc.). If there are contraindications to the use of hormonal drugs, treatment with topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ketorolac or diclofenac, is possible.

In addition, drugs that improve metabolism (dexpanthenol and vitamins) may be prescribed. Treatment is carried out strictly as prescribed by the doctor; if the cornea is damaged, excimer laser surgery (phototherapeutic keratectomy) is prescribed.

Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis

It will be possible to begin treatment of the disease only after the diagnosis has been definitively established and the allergic nature of keratoconjunctivitis has been accurately confirmed. Otherwise, the treatment will not have the desired effect, but on the contrary, will lead to complications. Medicines, drops and tablets can only be prescribed by a qualified specialist: an ophthalmologist or an allergist. Contact him for advice as soon as possible when the first symptoms of the disease appear.

If the form of the disease is mild, as a rule, the doctor will prescribe regular cold compresses and “artificial tears” to reduce dryness, itching and discomfort. If the form of the disease is quite severe, the doctor will prescribe special medications in tablets or drops. Treatment of acute allergies may take 10 to 14 days. If all recommendations are strictly followed, most likely all symptoms will disappear completely.

Treatment with “folk remedies” will not help in this case. No amount of eye rinsing with herbs according to “grandmother’s recipe” will give a positive effect, but on the contrary, it can provoke an exacerbation.

Pathology in children

As mentioned above, the disease mainly affects boys and young men aged 4 to 25 years, living in southern latitudes with an arid climate. Often the disease goes away on its own during puberty, which indicates a significant role of the endocrine system in the nature of the disease.

Reasons for developing the disease at a young age:

  • Increased solar radiation time.
  • The presence of pollen from flowering plants in the air.
  • Disturbances in the hormonal background of boys of preschool and school age.
  • Genetic predisposition to the disease.

Symptoms

One of the first symptoms to develop in children is severe itching of the eyes, which increases in the evening and interferes with sleep. Subsequently, thread-like purulent accumulations can be found under the upper eyelids, which can be easily removed with a regular cotton swab. The next stage is accompanied by the formation of papillary growths on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, which thickens and acquires a milky color.

In the limbal form, prelimbal tissue grows, forming a gelatinous ridge of yellow or pink-gray color. Its surface is uneven, strewn with protruding white dots, which turn into depressions in the stage of regression of the disease. Children's vision deteriorates often.

Keratoconjunctivitis - spring catarrh, eye allergies, information about the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis

Spring catarrh got its name due to the fact that its exacerbation occurs mainly in the spring, as well as in the summer. And the inflammation process subsides in autumn and winter.

However, if the weather is sunny in winter, the disease may still worsen.

Most often it manifests itself in childhood recurrence, usually in boys of about four years of age, and by the time of puberty the disease gradually recedes.

Those boys who live in arid regions are most susceptible to the disease. Also, a person suffering from spring catarrh of the eyes is characterized by photophobia. Actually, photophobia is the increased sensitivity of the eye to light of any origin. Spring catarrh is also characterized by itching and watery eyes.

A large thickening of light pink color forms on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, and the conjunctiva is covered with a thin film. With further development of the disease, these formations may appear on the cornea of ​​the eye.

Until now, it has not been possible to fully establish the cause of catarrh. There is an assumption that it manifests itself under the influence of ultraviolet radiation in the best case of photophobia.

What it is?

Spring catarrh (spring conjunctivitis) is a bilateral chronic inflammation of the tissues of the eyeball and conjunctiva of the eyelids. Conventionally, the disease is considered allergic, and its exacerbation occurs in the warm season. However, in some patients this disease is a year-round phenomenon, the intensity of which varies depending on the average readings of the thermometer.

The disease most often affects children (boys over 4 years old) and young men under 25 years old. But recently, due to environmental deterioration and climate change, middle-aged men and, although very rarely, women have been experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

A few more facts: the disease most often occurs in countries with a hot, dry climate, located, for example, on the African continent or in South Asia. There are isolated cases of infection with spring catarrh in regions with a harsh climate: Norway, Sweden, Finland.

Specifics of lifestyle with keratoconjunctivitis

First of all, if you are unlucky enough to develop keratoconjunctivitis, you should, if possible, isolate yourself from the allergen that provokes exacerbations. For example, if your body gives a negative reaction to plant pollen, you should at least for a while (the flowering period) go to places where there are no such plants.

If you suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, it is strictly not recommended to use contact vision correction products. This can lead to an exacerbation of the disease and the appearance of many unpleasant symptoms.

Causes

The causes of such an unusual disease are still not fully understood. Experts identify the following prerequisites for the development of spring catarrh:

  • Increased solar insolation.
  • Infections or poisoning with toxic substances.
  • Negative effects of allergens, especially food and medicinal ones.
  • Disorders of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland.
  • Genetic predisposition to this disease.

Most often, this disease affects people whose relatives and ancestors were prone to...

  • atopy,
  • asthma,
  • eczema,
  • vasomotor rhinitis.

Varieties

Experts distinguish 3 forms of spring catarrh:

  • Palpebral form. Its distinctive feature is the formation of papillary light pink flat formations on the upper eyelid, which can reach very impressive sizes as the disease develops. Such formations lead to deformation of the conjunctiva. Also, on the surface of the mucous membrane of the eyelid, viscous mucous “threads” or spiral-shaped accumulations are observed, irritating the eye and increasing itching.
  • Limbal form . The main symptom is a change in the conjunctiva of the eyeball, which is revealed in the growth of hypertrophied yellow-gray tissue in the form of a dense ridge that rises above the limbus. White dots and Trantas spots may be present on the surface of the conjunctiva, and when the condition improves, depressions in the limbus may be present.
  • Mixed form , in which the symptoms of the two previous types of the disease are combined.

Spring Qatar

20.09.2018

A chronic disease of the allergic type, accompanied by inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye , in which the exacerbation stage has a clear seasonal nature of activation, is called spring catarrh.

From the name itself it becomes clear at what time of year the peak exacerbation of the pathology occurs.

In addition to an allergic reaction, the development of the disease is provoked by various disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system and excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

According to statistical data, pathology occurs more often in male children and adolescents. In the vast majority of cases, the disease disappears after puberty. This pattern is directly related to active endocrine processes in adolescence.

As we have already said, the pathology has a seasonal nature of its manifestation and often exacerbations appear in the spring and at the very beginning of summer, after which the symptoms gradually disappear and the disease enters the stage of remission. It is worth noting that a hot and dry climate contributes to the development of pathology. People suffering from severe forms of allergies .

Symptoms of spring catarrh

Among the symptoms of the development of pathology are severe and sometimes even unbearable itching in the eyes , lacrimation, vision , characteristic changes in appearance are observed in the cornea and conjunctiva of the eyes , characteristic separation of ocular mucus appears, the eyes begin to react painfully when looking at a light source, narrowing of the visual acuity is diagnosed fields. The manifestation of symptoms is often accompanied by increased irritability of the person. Among the forms of spring catarrh, it is customary to distinguish tarsal, bulbar and mixed. The tarsal form is characterized by a viscous thread-like discharge and a change in the color and density of the conjunctiva of the eye . The boulevard form is accompanied by a pronounced growth of gelatinous tissue covering the limbus. Distinctive features of the mixed form of the disease are lesions of the eyeball and cornea of ​​an erosive nature. In the process of its development, erosion can lead to the formation of a dry film that fits quite tightly around the cornea of ​​the eye . This film can only be removed using microsurgery. It is worth noting that another complication characteristic of the mixed form of pathology is the occurrence of a flat superficial ulcer on the cornea. This formation responds very poorly to drug therapy .

Treatment of spring catarrh at Premium Clinic Khimki

It is worth noting that the obviousness of the symptoms of the disease does not leave the ophthalmologist even a fraction of doubt when diagnosing it during an examination of the patient. Therapy for spring catarrh aims to ease the manifestation of symptoms, reduce the body's allergic reaction, and prevent the formation of excess tissue.

This is facilitated by corticosteroid and antiallergenic drugs. During the acute stage of the disease, it is recommended to limit the consumption of a number of foods and certain dishes. For example, first of all, you should exclude baked goods from your diet, which contribute to increased histamine production.

Drug therapy includes special vitamin complexes aimed at strengthening immunity . During the period of exacerbation of the disease, it is recommended to wear sunglasses; this helps to normalize increased photosensitivity during this period.

To prevent the disease, I would like to recommend spending more time in the fresh air, avoiding dusty rooms, and wet cleaning the living area several times a week.

in Eye Diseases Premium Clinic

How to recognize pathology?

The main signs and symptoms of spring catarrh are considered to be:

  • Photophobia is increased sensitivity of the eye to light, both from sunlight and from an electric light bulb.
  • The formation of papillary thickenings of light pink color on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid and the cornea of ​​the eye, externally resembling the surface of a cobblestone street.
  • Cloudiness of the conjunctiva.
  • Discharge of white mucous or sticky “threads” from the eyes.
  • Itching.
  • Severe burning sensation.
  • Profuse lacrimation.
  • Feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
  • Spasm of the eyelids.
  • Decreased visual acuity.
  • Eyelid pigmentation.

Clinical picture characteristic of the disease

One of the main symptoms of the pathology is the appearance of severe itching in the organs of vision.

Spring catarrh has vivid symptoms that are difficult to confuse with other pathological processes. The main manifestations include:

  • unbearable eye itching;
  • decreased visual ability;
  • excessive moisture release;
  • sensitivity to light;
  • reduction of the visual field;
  • blepharospasm;
  • feeling of being clogged;
  • thread-like discharge;
  • external transformation of the cornea.

Diagnostics

An ophthalmologist together with an allergist-immunologist can diagnose spring catarrh. When making a diagnosis, the patient’s medical history, the morbidity pattern of his relatives are usually studied, and the existing symptoms are visually determined: typical hypertrophied papillary formations on the mucous membrane of the eyelids and eyeballs, as well as lesions of the cornea.

It is also advisable to perform biomicroscopy of the eye, examine tear fluid and conjunctival scrapings. At this stage, it is important to differentiate spring conjunctivitis from other eye diseases with similar symptoms: infectious, allergic, drug-induced conjunctivitis, keratitis, trachoma and other allergic diseases.

Forecast

The outcome of the disease is favorable - after a series of exacerbations and remissions, it ends in recovery (a clinically normal state of the conjunctiva occurs).

See also Conjunctiva, Conjunctivitis.

Bibliography:

Avetisov E. S. Children’s vision protection, p. 211, M., 1975; Shurin P.N. Intracellular inclusions in spring catarrh, Vestn, ophthalm., No. 2, p. 9, 1956; Zaitseva N.S. Regarding the article by P.N. Zhurin “Intracellular inclusions in spring catarrh”, ibid., No. 6, p. 44, 1957; Medvedev A.N. Spring Qatar, Tashkent, 1970; Pokrovsky A. I.

Spring catarrh, Multivolume, guide to eye diseases, ed. V. N. Arkhangelsky, vol. 2, book. 1, p. 141, M., 1960; Chirkovsky V.V. Trachoma, L., 1953; Bonnet M. et Durand L. Resultats du traitement de la conjonctivite printaniere rebelle par la greffe de muqucuse buccale, Bull. Soc. frang., Ophtal., t. 81, p. 215, 1969; System of ophthalmology, ed. by S.

Duke-Elder, v. 8, L., 1965.

S. I. Talkovsky.

Treatment options

Spring catarrh requires mandatory medical intervention. Self-medication is unacceptable, which can lead to aggravation of the patient’s condition up to complete loss of vision.

Lifestyle specifics

A person with such an unusual disease during periods of increased ultraviolet radiation should avoid going outside during hours when the sun is at its zenith. An important and integral accessory for such a patient is high-quality sunglasses with good polarization and a sun filter.

Important! Since spring catarrh is considered an allergic disease, in order to avoid its exacerbation it is necessary to avoid contact with allergens: food, medicines, pollen - everything that can cause a deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Medicines

The drug treatment regimen is based on the use of drugs that can relieve discomfort, reduce eye sensitization and prevent subsequent exacerbations.

The best option is a combination of antiallergic drops with corticosteroids.

In such cases, doctors usually prescribe Dexanos or Maxidex 2-3 times a day for 3-4 weeks, in difficult cases twice a day Epersadlerg or Allergofatal.

It would not be superfluous to take oral antihistamines for at least 10 days: Suprastin, Claritin, L-cet and others. To improve the condition of the cornea, reparative drugs are usually used 2 times a day: Vitasip, Taufol.

In severe cases, the patient is given 4-10 injections of Histoglobulin, and sometimes the affected areas of the mucous membrane are removed surgically. Innovative treatment methods will have a good effect - cold applications, the temperature of which can reach -70C.

Pathology in children

As mentioned above, the disease mainly affects boys and young men aged 4 to 25 years, living in southern latitudes with an arid climate. Often the disease goes away on its own during puberty, which indicates a significant role of the endocrine system in the nature of the disease.

Reasons for developing the disease at a young age:

  • Increased solar radiation time.
  • The presence of pollen from flowering plants in the air.
  • Disturbances in the hormonal background of boys of preschool and school age.
  • Genetic predisposition to the disease.

Symptoms

One of the first symptoms to develop in children is severe itching of the eyes, which increases in the evening and interferes with sleep. Subsequently, thread-like purulent accumulations can be found under the upper eyelids, which can be easily removed with a regular cotton swab. The next stage is accompanied by the formation of papillary growths on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, which thickens and acquires a milky color.

In the limbal form, prelimbal tissue grows, forming a gelatinous ridge of yellow or pink-gray color. Its surface is uneven, strewn with protruding white dots, which turn into depressions in the stage of regression of the disease. Children's vision deteriorates often.

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