Severe itching of the eyes is the major symptom of atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Although the condition is considered to be a perennial (year-round) disorder, the itching tends to worsen for some patients during certain seasons (particularly winter). As the disease progresses, severe vision loss can occur. The precise reason for this is not clear.

Bacterial infections can also develop from atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Symptoms that indicate an infection include sudden increase in the redness of the eyelid margin (edge). Discharge from the margin also may indicate an infection.

Other symptoms associated with atopic keratoconjunctivitis include:

• Stringy eye discharge
• Mucus discharge from the eye
• Red, oozing lesions around the eyes
• Excess tearing
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Eye burning and pain
• Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids)
• Fissuring (a break or slit) of the eyelid
• Hardening of the eyelid

Individuals exhibiting one or more of these symptoms should consult a physician. Left untreated, atopic keratoconjunctivitis can lead to scarring, corneal ulcers, cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye), keratoconus (a disease characterized by the gradual thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape) and corneal vascularization (abnormal or excessive formation of blood vessels in the cornea).