1 research outputs found
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis- A Survey on Practice Patterns and Perspectives of Indian Ophthalmologists
Introduction: Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a common
chronic allergic condition mostly affecting children and their
childhood. At present, the choice of medication varies greatly
for the same severity of disease from one ophthalmologist to
another. A standardised grading system and a comprehensive
approach towards VKC including Quality of Life (QOL)
assessment is the need of the hour.
Aim: To learn the practice patterns and perspectives of Indian
Ophthalmologists in the management of VKC and to propose
strategies for the holistic approach.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was
conducted in July 2020. A semi-structured questionnaire was
sent via Google form to 200 ophthalmologists. Statistical
analysis used: Data was entered in excel and analysis was
performed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences
(SPSS) software version 20.
Results: Out of 200 ophthalmologists, 146 (73%) participated
in the survey. Among the participants, 43.8% used combination
therapy in the management of VKC and 68.5% resorted to
steroid therapy in severe cases. Tacrolimus (0.03%) was the
most preferred immunomodulator among 56% ophthalmologists
and only 11% assessed QOL in the patients periodically.
Conclusion: Majority (around 2/3rd) felt immunotherapy and
vitamin D supplementation can be tried in the management
of VKC and there was a consensus on administering a QOL
questionnaire in all patients with VKC in future which would
provide holistic care