Vernal conjunctivitis is swelling (inflammation) of the outer lining of the eyes due to an allergic reaction.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsVernal conjunctivitis often occurs in people with a strong family history of Allergies. It is most common during the spring and summer.
The condition causes itchy, watery eyes. The underside of the eyelids may become rough and covered with bumps and a whitish mucus. The area around the cornea where the white of the eye and the cornea meet (limbus) may become rough and swollen. If this swelling and roughness moves over the cornea, it may cause scarring and decreased vision.
SymptomsThe health care provider will perform an eye exam.
TreatmentAvoid rubbing the eyes, because this can irritate them more.
Cold compresses (a clean cloth soaked in cold water and then placed over the eyes) may be soothing. The health care provider may prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. Cromolyn sodium or antihistamine drops may also be prescribed.
Expectations (prognosis)The condition continues over time, and gets worse during certain seasons of the year. Treatment may provide relief.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if your symptoms continue or get worse.
PreventionUsing air conditioning or moving to a cooler climate may help prevent the problem from getting worse in the future.
Vernal conjunctivitis is long-term (chronic) swelling (inflammation) of the outer lining of the eyes due to an allergic reaction.
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsVernal conjunctivitis often occurs in people with a strong family history of allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema. It is most common in young males, and most often occurs during the spring and summer.
SymptomsThe health care provider will perform an eye exam.
TreatmentAvoid rubbing the eyes, because this can irritate them more.
Cold compresses (a clean cloth soaked in cold water and then placed over the closed eyes) may be soothing.
Lubricating drops may also help soothe the eye.
If home-care measures do not help, you may need to be treated by your health care provider. This may include:
The condition continues over time (is chronic). It gets worse during certain seasons of the year, usually spring and summer. Treatment may provide relief.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if your symptoms continue or get worse.
PreventionUsing air conditioning or moving to a cooler climate may help prevent the problem from getting worse in the future.
ReferencesRubenstein JB, Virasch V. Allergic conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 4.7.
Barney NP, Graziano FM, Cook EB, Stahl JL. Allergic and immunologic diseases of the eye. In: Adkinson NF, Jr., ed. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 64.
Sowka JW, Gurwood AS, Kabat AG. Handbook of Ocular Disease Management. Accessed May 19, 2010.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/24/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Non vernal
Vernal Vernal
"Vernal" is Latin for "spring".
Ewen Vernal was born in 1964.
vernal: relating to or occurring in the spring
When will the vernal equinox be in 2010
Vernal pools has three syllables.
The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Vernal Utah Temple was created in 1997.
Vernal Presbyterian Church was created in 1908.
An example of vernal used in a sentence is this. On March 21st of every year, the vernal equinox marks the first official day of Spring.
a vernal pond is one that dries up during dry weather. a vernal stream also dries up during dry weather.