Spring Qatar (Vernal Conjunctivitis)

Chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyelids and eyeball, worsening in the spring and summer. It is believed that allergic factors, endocrine disorders and ultraviolet radiation play a major role in the origin of the disease.

Symptoms, course. Photophobia, lacrimation, itching in the eyes. There are conjunctival, corneal and mixed forms of the disease. In the conjunctival form, the connective membrane of the cartilage of the upper eyelid has a milky tint and is covered with large flattened pale pink papillary growths, reminiscent of “cobblestones”.

On the conjunctiva of the transitional fold and lower eyelid they are very rare. The corneal form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of grayish-pale glassy thickenings of the limbus, inwardly from which gentle opacities of the cornea are occasionally found. There is little or no discharge.

The course is long-term with periodic exacerbations, mainly in spring and summer. The disease usually occurs in adolescence and subsides after many years.

Treatment. Subjective relief is brought by installations into the conjunctival sac of a weak solution of acetic acid (2-3 drops of diluted acetic acid per 10 ml of distilled water several times a day), a 0.25% solution of zinc sulfate with the addition of 10 drops of a solution of adrenaline 1:1000, 0.25 % dicaine solution, 1-2 drops 3-6 times a day.

Local application of weak solutions of corticosteroids in the form of eye drops is effective: 0.5-1-1.5-2.5% hydrocortisone solutions, 0.5% prednisolone solution, 0.01-0.05-1% dexamethasone solution 3-4 once a day; hydrocorthione ointment (without chloramphenicol!) at night.

It is recommended to take orally a 10% solution of calcium chloride 1 tablespoon 3 times a day or calcium gluconate 0.5 g 3 times a day before meals, riboflavin 0.02 g 2-3 times a day, diphenhydramine 0.05 g 2 times a day, fenkarol 0.025 g 2-3 times a day.

For the purpose of general nonspecific desensitization, histaglobulin subcutaneously 2 times a week (children 1 ml - 6 injections per course, adults 2 ml - 8 injections). Cauterizing agents are contraindicated. It is advisable to wear sunglasses.

Sometimes climate change is beneficial.