Effectiveness of a modified therapeutic protocol for the management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis based on Bonini’s graded clinical severity

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified therapeutic protocol used for vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) based on severity as per Bonini grading system. METHODS: This was a prospective observational clinical study conducted with 123 eyes of 63 patients. A meticulous clinical examination was performed, and data was documented in all the cases. Patients on known systemic atopy and antiallergic therapy were excluded from the study. Eyes with a clinical diagnosis of VKC were segregated based on Bonnini’s grading system. A treatment protocol was created depending on the grade of VKC. Therapeutic responses were documented at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. Grading of the eyes was performed in each visit. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 8.85 years with a standard deviation of 4.48 years. Males were predominant, and 95.24% had bilateral manifestation. The palpebral component was the most common form of manifestation. Itching was the most common manifestation, followed by congestion, discharge, and papillae in a decreasing order. Also, 68% of patients were in grade 2, 14% in grade 3, 12% in grade 1, and the rest were in grade 4. Following the treatment protocol, 70% showed signs of significant improvement in grade by the end of 6 weeks, reaching 90% at the end of 6 months (P = 0.074) and 92% at the end of 12 months (P = 0.002). Also, 52.4% versus 77.8% of patients had no recurrence in the pre- versus posttreatment protocol and it was statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Grading of VKC gives a clear evaluation of the severity and progression of the condition. Besides, significant improvement in the grades was observed with fewer incidences of recurrences following execution of the therapeutic protocol. Hence, it is essential to maintain a treatment protocol in our clinical practice to provide grade-based therapy and monitor accurate changes in the clinical condition.