In vivo confocal microscopy of long-standing mixed-form vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE

To report the morphological characteristics of long-term mixed-form vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) using in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM).

DESIGN

Descriptive case report.

METHODS

In vivo LSCM was performed on a Chinese patient diagnosed as bilateral mixed-form VKC for 14 years. Central cornea, inferior limbus, bulbar conjunctiva, and upper tarsal conjunctiva of both eyes were examined.

RESULTS

Infiltration of numerous dendritic cells and inflammatory cells in both bulbar conjunctiva and tarsal conjunctiva were identified under in vivo LSCM, along with proliferation of fibrous tissue in the conjunctival stroma and damage of Vogt palisades. Apart from abnormal appearance of corneal epithelial cells, the infiltration of dendritic cells was occasionally found in the cornea.

CONCLUSIONS

In vivo LSCM is a useful tool to evaluate the morphology of VKC.