Impact of vernal keratoconjunctivitis on well-being of young learners in the thabo mofutsanyana district, south africa
1
1Department of Optometry, University of the Free State, Bethlehem, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Good ocular health is essential for children’s daily activities and learning. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis can significantly disrupt these quality of life domains if left unmanaged. Despite these challenges, vernal keratoconjunctivitis remains underexplored in South Africa, likely due to eye healthcare inequalities and limited school-based eye health initiatives. Understanding how vernal keratoconjunctivitis affects learners’ daily lives and school experiences may be crucial.
AIM:
To assess the influence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis on the quality of life of Grade 1 learners and examine its associations with quality of life-related factors. Setting: The investigation was carried out in 14 public primary schools in the Nketoana Local Municipality, Free State, from May to July 2025.
METHODS:
A quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was conducted among 743 participants, using a structured questionnaire with interview and basic eye examination components. Descriptive and comparative analyses were employed to assess the associations between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and quality of life indicators.
RESULTS:
Participants with vernal keratoconjunctivitis frequently reported challenges with classroom concentration (58.8%) and homework completion (58.8%), alongside emotional difficulties such as sadness (49.0%) and embarrassment (49.0%). Significant associations were observed between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and academic and emotional quality of life factors.
CONCLUSIONS:
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis’ burdensome clinical manifestations extend beyond ocular discomfort to disrupt educational and psychosocial dimensions of children’s lives, threatening holistic development. Contribution: Implementing routine school-based eye health initiatives can raise teachers’ awareness of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, enabling timely detection and interventions that support children’s overall development and optimal academic trajectory.
Good ocular health is essential for children’s daily activities and learning. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis can significantly disrupt these quality of life domains if left unmanaged. Despite these challenges, vernal keratoconjunctivitis remains underexplored in South Africa, likely due to eye healthcare inequalities and limited school-based eye health initiatives. Understanding how vernal keratoconjunctivitis affects learners’ daily lives and school experiences may be crucial.
AIM:
To assess the influence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis on the quality of life of Grade 1 learners and examine its associations with quality of life-related factors. Setting: The investigation was carried out in 14 public primary schools in the Nketoana Local Municipality, Free State, from May to July 2025.
METHODS:
A quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was conducted among 743 participants, using a structured questionnaire with interview and basic eye examination components. Descriptive and comparative analyses were employed to assess the associations between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and quality of life indicators.
RESULTS:
Participants with vernal keratoconjunctivitis frequently reported challenges with classroom concentration (58.8%) and homework completion (58.8%), alongside emotional difficulties such as sadness (49.0%) and embarrassment (49.0%). Significant associations were observed between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and academic and emotional quality of life factors.
CONCLUSIONS:
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis’ burdensome clinical manifestations extend beyond ocular discomfort to disrupt educational and psychosocial dimensions of children’s lives, threatening holistic development. Contribution: Implementing routine school-based eye health initiatives can raise teachers’ awareness of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, enabling timely detection and interventions that support children’s overall development and optimal academic trajectory.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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