Beyond Boundaries: A Multidisciplinary Journey into Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a complex ocular disorder with diverse manifestations, necessitating a holistic exploration that spans various medical disciplines. VKC varies across different ethnicities and regions.

Although VKC phenotypic location is the eye and, in particular, the anterior chamber of the eye, its physiopathologic processes intertwine epigenetic, genetic, immunologic, allergic, and endocrinologic mechanisms, each playing a distinctive role. Beyond the primary involvement of ophthalmologists, this condition beckons the expertise of specialists such as pediatricians (given the age of the patient), allergists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, and geneticists. Additionally, pharmacologists and laboratory technicians assume pivotal roles in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Embracing the principles of interdisciplinary collaboration, this Research Topic seeks to advance our understanding of VKC and contribute to innovative, personalized approaches to management, diagnosis and treatment. The outcomes of this collaborative effort have the potential to significantly impact clinical practices and ultimately enhance patient outcomes in different regions of the world.

The editors will consider a wide range of article types, encompassing original research articles, reviews, case reports, and perspectives.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to:

  •     Patient care in VKC: evaluation of holistic patient care approaches.

  •     Epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of VKC: in-depth exploration of the environmental factors underlying pathogenic mechanisms contributing to VKC and the development of advanced diagnostic tools.

  •     Novel advancements in therapy: identification and assessment of innovative and emerging therapies for VKC, exploring novel treatment modalities.

  •     Personalized treatments for VKC: investigation of tailored therapeutic strategies based on individual patient characteristics and genetic factors.

  •     Role of inflammatory mediators: study of specific inflammatory mediators and cytokines involved in VKC pathogenesis for potential targeted interventions.

  •     Long-term outcomes: longitudinal studies on the long-term effects of VKC, including potential complications and sequelae.

  •     Quality of life implications: examination of the impact of VKC on patients' overall well-being, including psychological and social aspects.

  •     Patient education and empowerment: development and assessment of educational programs to empower VKC patients in self-management and treatment adherence.

  •     Health economics of VKC treatment: evaluation of the economic impact of VKC treatment options, including cost-effectiveness analyses and healthcare resource utilization.

  •     Global perspectives on VKC: comparative studies on VKC prevalence, management, and outcomes across different geographical regions and populations.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: ocular allergy, tears, cytokines, biomarkers, mediators, microRNA, tears biomarkers, giant papillae, Trantas dots, Horner-Trantas dots, limbal neovascularization, corticosteroids, cyclosporine eye drop, tacrolimus eye drop, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.