Allergen-specific exposure associated with high immunoglobulin E and eye rubbing predisposes to progression of keratoconus

Abstract

We report two male children with persistent allergic eye disease (AED) and keratoconus (KC). Both presented with symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and decreased vision. In view of unrelenting AED, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) quantification and identification of specific allergens were advised. Increased serum IgE levels were observed in both cases. Sunflower and sheep wool were identified as specific allergens for the first and second patient respectively by skin patch test. There was complete resolution of symptoms of AED in both patients following avoidance of causative allergens. However, the progression of KC in both eyes of the first patient and one eye of the second patient was observed. They were advised collagen cross-linking. Elevated serum IgE indicates the presence of systemic allergy. Avoiding implicated allergens help alleviate ocular symptoms. Using serum IgE and identifying specific allergen can guide in the treatment of AED and thus prevent progressive KC due to eye rubbing and resulting inflammation.