Keratoconjunctivitis
Ophthalmology: Combined Corneal and Conjunctival Inflammation
1. Clinical Definition
Keratoconjunctivitis refers to inflammation involving both the cornea (keratitis) and the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis). Because these tissues share the same tear film and environment, disease processes often affect both simultaneously.
2. Major Categories
| Type | Common Etiologies |
|---|---|
| Viral | Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (Adenovirus), Herpetic Keratoconjunctivitis. |
| Allergic | Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). |
| Dry Eye | Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (aqueous-deficient or Evaporative). |
| Phlyctenular | Hypersensitivity reaction to bacterial antigens (e.g., Staphylococcal or TB). |
3. Forensic and Clinical Pearls
- Visual Significance: Involvement of the cornea distinguishes “keratoconjunctivitis” from simple “conjunctivitis.” Corneal involvement carries a risk of permanent scarring and vision loss.
- Diagnostic Approach: Always perform slit-lamp examination with fluorescein staining to identify corneal epithelial defects or infiltrates that might be missed on superficial inspection.
- Public Health: Viral keratoconjunctivitis is highly contagious; strict infection control in clinical settings is mandatory.
- Educational Resource: For management algorithms, differential diagnosis tables, and high-yield question banks, visit mymedschool.org.