Abstract
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, a severe form of allergic conjunctival disease, is characterized by the development of various types of corneal lesions in conjunction with proliferative changes in the conjunctiva. Expression of bioactive substances, such as chemokines and adhesion molecules, by corneal fibroblasts likely contribute to the formation of corneal lesions by promoting local infiltration, activation, and survival of immune cells. Proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix by conjunctival fibroblasts also may provide conditions which support the activation and survival of immune cells. Topical administration of corticosteroids is the principal mode of treatment for conjunctival inflammation in individuals with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. In some individuals, however, the surgical removal of conjunctival giant papillae or of corneal plaques is indicated.
