Keratoconjunctivitis

Keratoconjunctivitis is inflammation ("itis") of the cornea and conjunctiva.

When only the cornea is inflamed, it is called keratitis; when only the conjunctiva is inflamed, it is called conjunctivitis.

There are several potential causes of the inflammation:

• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is used when the inflammation is due to dryness. ("Sicca" means "dryness" in medical contexts.)
• The term "Vernal keratoconjunctivitis" (VKC) is used to refer to keratoconjunctivitis occurring in spring, and is usually considered to be due to allergens.
• "Atopic keratoconjunctivitis" is one manifestation of atopy.
• "Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis" is caused by an adenovirus infection.
• "Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis" (IBK) is a disease affecting cattle caused by the bacteria Moraxella bovis.
• "Superior limbic keratoconjuctivitis" is thought to be caused by mechanical trauma.
• "Keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica" (arc eye) means inflammation caused by UV light. This can be caused, by example, by welding without wearing protective eye glass. The inflammation will only appear after about 6 to 12 hours. It can be treated by rest, as the inflammation usually heals after 24-48 hours. Proper eye protection should be worn to prevent keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica.

External links

• BC Health Guide -- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
• eMedicine -- on Atopic keratoconjunctivitis
• eMedicine -- on Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

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