Evaluation of Central Corneal Thickness in Patients With Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Using Topical Steroids

A total of 34 participants, including an adjustment for a 10% dropout rate, will be recruited using purposive sampling. The study will last six months. Eligible participants (aged 5-25 years) must have a confirmed VKC diagnosis and be on topical steroids, with exclusions for prior ocular surgery, systemic steroid use, and contact lens wear. Baseline assessments will include demographic data, VKC severity, and CCT measurements via pachymetry and optical coherence tomography. Follow-up evaluations at one and three months will track CCT changes. A paired t-test will compare baseline and follow-up measurements. This study will help understand the impact of topical steroids on CCT in VKC patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Young adults aged between 5-25 years
• Confirmed diagnosis of VKC
• Currently prescribe topical steroid e.g, dexamethasone, prednisolone
• No prior history of corneal surgery or trauma
• Willing to attend follow-up visits and comply with the treatment protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• History of ocular surgery or trauma
• Presence of other corneal pathologies (e.g., Keratoconus)
• Systemic immunosuppressant use or history of systemic steroid use in the past 06 months
• Use of other medications that could influence corneal thickness e.g, antiglaucoma drugs
• Contact lens use within 1 month prior to the study
• Severe dry eye or another ocular surface disease"