[Therapeutic options in vernal keratoconjunctivitis].

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, seasonally exacerbated allergic inflammation of the lids, conjunctiva, and cornea. The pathogenesis of VKC is much more complex than a mere type I hypersensitivity reaction. T-cell-mediated responses, eosinophil attraction, and nonspecific immunological reactions are key mechanisms involved. Cytokines, chemokines, proteases, and growth factors play a major pathogenetic role. Therapeutic options in VKC include mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs. Newer, more selective therapeutic strategies such as antichemokine receptor antibodies, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and specific macrobiomolecules are under evaluation.