A clinical study on patterns of vernal keratoconjunctivitis among children in rural part of North-East India

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the demographic profile, clinical patterns, and environmental risk factors of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) among children attending a tertiary care center in a rural region of North-East India. Material and Methods: This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2024 to January 2025. It included 100 children (aged 0–18 years) clinically diagnosed with VKC. Data regarding demographics, clinical signs, symptoms, and environmental exposures (including cooking fuel and animal contact) were collected using a structured pro forma. Results: The mean age of presentation was 12.02 years, with a significant male preponderance (male: female ratio 2.03:1). Symptom exacerbation peaked in May. The most common symptom was intense itching (91%), and the most common sign was conjunctival hyperemia (88%). The Limbal variant was the predominant phenotype (72%). A significant association was observed with the use of firewood/kerosene for indoor cooking. Conclusion: VKC in North-East India predominantly affects young males and presents chiefly as the Limbal form. Indoor air pollution from biomass fuels is a significant modifiable risk factor in this rural population.