Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva (a membrane that covers the white of the eye and inside of eyelids). It is characterized by redness and lesions of the eyelids and severe itching of the eyes. Left untreated, it can lead to severe visual impairment.

Although it can occur at any age, atopic keratoconjunctivitis often appears during late adolescence or early adulthood. The eye allergy is associated with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema associated with allergies. Typically, red lesions appear on the eyelids, which then begin to ooze, crust and scale. In severe cases, patients are extremely sensitive to light, and damage to the cornea (the eye's outermost layer) or cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye) may occur. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is similar to vernal conjunctivitis, but there are key differences in symptoms that separate the two conditions.

To prevent long-term vision damage, patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis must seek treatment. Medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, antibiotics (to treat any bacterial infection that develops) and cromolyn sodium can be used to effectively treat the condition.