Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis- A Survey on Practice Patterns and Perspectives of Indian Ophthalmologists
NC05-NC08
Correspondence
Shwetha N Chandranna,
H. No. 7043, Ebony Block, Sobha Forest View, Off Kanakpura Road, Vajrahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: dr.shwethanc@gmail.com
Introduction: Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a common chronic allergic condition mostly affecting children and their childhood. At present, the choice of medication varies greatly for the same severity of disease from one ophthalmologist to another. A standardised grading system and a comprehensive approach towards VKC including Quality of Life (QOL) assessment is the need of the hour.
Aim: To learn the practice patterns and perspectives of Indian Ophthalmologists in the management of VKC and to propose strategies for the holistic approach.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2020. A semi-structured questionnaire was sent via Google form to 200 ophthalmologists. Data was entered in excel and analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.
Results: Out of 200 ophthalmologists, 146 (73%) participated in the survey. Among the participants, 43.8% used combination therapy in the management of VKC and 68.5% resorted to steroid therapy in severe cases. Tacrolimus (0.03%) was the most preferred immunomodulator among 56% ophthalmologists and only 11% assessed QOL in the patients periodically.
Conclusion: Majority (around 2/3rd) felt immunotherapy and vitamin D supplementation can be tried in the management of VKC and there was a consensus on administering a QOL questionnaire in all patients with VKC in future which would provide holistic care.