Long-term follow-up of patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the presenting features, treatment administered to, histopathologic findings, and complications encountered in a cohort of patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

DESIGN: The study design was a retrospective cohort series.

PARTICIPANTS: The medical records of 20 patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis and a minimum follow-up of 3 years were reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Conjunctival and corneal complications, visual acuity before and after surgery, and histopathologic features on conjunctival biopsy were measured.

RESULTS: Significant keratopathy developed in 70% of patients, corneal neovascularization in 60%, fornix foreshortening in 25%, and symblepharon in 20% during the course of their disease. Eleven patients (12 eyes) required penetrating keratoplasty (3 for tectonic purposes and 8 for visual rehabilitation). Vision improved by four or more lines of Snellen acuity in four eyes, improved by two lines in two eyes, remained the same in five eyes, and worsened by two lines in one eye after keratoplasty. Cataract surgery was performed in seven patients (nine eyes) with vision improving by four or more lines in six patients (eight eyes).

CONCLUSION: Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is a potentially blinding disease that may result in a poor visual outcome as a result of corneal complications. Elective surgical intervention may be of benefit and can be considered in those patients whose inflammation is well controlled.