A Case of Intractable Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Treated by Papillectomy and Amniotic Membrane Transplantation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a successful case of intractable vernal keratoconjunctivitis treated by papillectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 20-year-old female patient presented with repeated vernal keratoconjunctivitis in both eyes since the age of 14. Despite medical therapy, she developed severe itching, burning and foreign body sensations, and limbal nodules with mutiple giant papillae of the upper tarsal plate. Surgical resection of the giant papillae and amniotic membrane transplantation in her left eye was performed. One month later, the same procedure was performed in her right eye. The patient's symptoms then improved. Neither recurrence nor serious complication were observed during the 6 months follow up period after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In intractable vernal keratoconjunctivitis, papillectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation may potentially be a good treatment option for better clinical outcome and low recurrence rates.