Introduction This study investigated the morphological characteristics of corneal
microstructure in the quiescent phase of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods
Twenty patients with quiescent VKC and 25 healthy subjects were included. In vivo
confocal microscopy (IVCM) of the central cornea was performed. Cellular density of
each layer and the morphology of subbasal nerve plexus (SBNP) was analysed. Langerhans
cell density (LCD), morphology (LCM), and field area (LCF) were also examined. Results
No differences were found either in cell densities nor in SBNP morphology (p > 0.05).
LCD, LCM and LCF were significantly higher in the VKC group (p = 0.005, p < 0.001
and p < 0.001, respectively). The severity of papillary hypertrophy had a significant
impact on LCD, LCM and LCF (beta-coefficient: 19.541, p < 0.001; beta-coefficient:
0.283, p < 0.001 and beta-coefficient: 595.255, p < 0.001, respectively). Discussion
In quiescent VKC, LCD, LCM, and LCF were increased, and they were associated with
the severity of papillary hypertrophy. Alterations of Langerhans cells indicate a
subclinical inflammatory process without ocular symptoms.
