Atopic is a word doctors use that means allergic, but with an inherited oversensitive response to environmental allergens (that is, allergy triggers such as pollen).

Keratoconjunctivitis simply means inflammation of the conjunctiva and the cornea. This condition is often seen associated with atopic dermatitis, a type of inflammatory skin disorder that results in an itchy rash. A characteristic sign of atopic keratoconjunctivitis is eyelid skin that is red, scaly and weeping.

If you have atopic keratoconjunctivitis, a type of bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph) may sometimes cause a secondary infection and lead to an infection of the eyelash follicles (the shafts through which the eyelashes grow). This is known as blepharitis.

The conjunctiva (the thin membrane on the front of the eye) may be swollen and red and may discharge clear fluid or pus. Unfortunately, this may persist for many years. Common symptoms of this long-term condition are severe photophobia (an aversion to bright light) and weeping and itching of the eyes.

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis may be so severe that the affected person finds it extremely difficult to open his or her eyes in direct sunlight. If the disease persists long term, scarring of the conjunctiva can occur, which is a serious problem.