What is Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis?

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is the result of a condition called "atopy". Atopy is a genetic condition where your immune system produces higher than normal antibodies in response to a given allergen. Although AKC is a perennial (year round) disease, your symptoms may worsen in the winter. Unlike atopic dermatitis, which is generally seen early in childhood, atopic keratoconjunctivitis appears during late adolescence and early adulthood. Men are more commonly affected than women.

With AKC, the conjunctiva lining the eyelids is usually red and swollen. The lower eyelid generally is affected more than the upper eyelid. This is a differentiating symptom from vernal keratoconjunctivitis where the upper eyelid is most often affected. If left untreated, AKC can progress to ulceration, scarring, cataract, keratoconus and corneal vascularization.