PKC involves inflammation of both the cornea and the conjunctiva. Understanding its basic features helps patients know when to seek care.
PKC is inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, the clear outer layer of the eye. The condition is caused by hypersensitivity to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which is present in the conjunctiva.
PKC typically occurs in people with a weakened immune system, especially children and young adults.
PKC can affect one or both eyes, and its symptoms are usually recognizable.
If you experience any of the following signs, you may have PKC:
These symptoms may indicate a serious infection and should be evaluated by an eye doctor as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort and, in severe cases, permanent damage to the eye and vision loss.
Several factors can trigger or worsen PKC.
PKC results from hypersensitivity to Staphylococcus aureus present on the conjunctiva.
It is unclear why some people develop this hypersensitivity, but several issues may play a role:
Managing PKC usually involves a mix of medications and lifestyle changes tailored to each patient.
The first line of treatment is often antibiotics or steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria. An eye doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics or steroids to speed healing.
Helpful daily habits include:
One notable case involved a 19-year-old patient with corneal scarring in both eyes from PKC and a childhood injury, along with drug-induced glaucoma. He had inferior nasal displaced Ahmed valves and inferior-nasal iridectomies in each eye. His drop regimen included Brimonidine three times daily in the left eye, Cosopt twice daily in both eyes, Latanoprost nightly in the left eye, FML daily in the right eye, Xiidra twice daily in both eyes, Prednisolone acetate daily in the left eye, and Polytrim twice daily in the left eye. Visual acuity was about 20/400 in each eye.
He was fit with an EyePrint prosthetic lens in both eyes to vault over the valves and create stable vision. At dispensing he still saw 20/400 in the right eye, but improved to 20/100 in the left eye and 20/60- with both eyes together. Two weeks later the left eye improved further to 20/80. The plan is to increase lens diameter to cover the most elevated area of the tube and continue monitoring progress.
While PKC is not entirely preventable, certain precautions reduce the chance of developing it.
Simple steps can lower risk:
The questions below address common concerns about PKC.
If left untreated PKC can lead to scarring and possible vision loss, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Contact lenses should be avoided until symptoms have fully resolved to prevent irritation and allow the eye to heal.
Duration varies, but many patients see improvement within a few weeks once medications and hygiene measures are started. Your doctor will guide the exact timeline.
PKC can be uncomfortable, but prompt attention and proper management lead to good outcomes. Our team is ready to help you understand your condition, choose effective treatments, and protect your vision for the future.
