Managing Bilateral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, Keratoconus, and Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: A Threefold Struggle

TL;DR

A young girl's eye condition worsened due to unsupervised steroid use, highlighting the need for careful treatment in complex eye diseases.

Contribution

The paper presents a case emphasizing the risks of unsupervised steroid use in managing complex ocular conditions.

Findings

Unsupervised steroid use led to steroid-induced glaucoma in a patient with VKC and keratoconus.

Improper management of these coexisting conditions can severely impact long-term visual outcomes.

Supervised treatment is crucial to avoid complications in patients with multiple ocular diseases.

Abstract

The coexistence of bilateral vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), keratoconus, and steroid-induced glaucoma presents a complex ocular challenge, threatening visual acuity and long-term eye health. This combination poses significant risks, with VKC and keratoconus progressively affecting both eyes while glaucoma, induced by necessary steroid treatments, further complicates the clinical picture. We report a case of a young Malay girl who complained of bilateral eye itchiness with progressive blurring of vision, a history of frequent changes in prescribed glasses, and vigorous eye rubbing. Diagnosed with VKC at age 14, she defaulted on follow-up and began unsupervised use of topical steroids during flare-ups. This resulted in steroid-induced glaucoma, complicating the management of both VKC and coexisting keratoconus. This case underscores the importance of careful, supervised treatment, as improper management can significantly affect long-term outcomes.

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