To prevent seasonal flare-ups in vernal keratoconjunctivitis, which preventive measure is recommended?

• A. Allergy eye drop once daily started a couple weeks before allergy season
• B. Steroid eye drop started a couple weeks before allergy season
• C. Antibiotic eye drop
• D. Lubricating drops only with no allergy control

Answer: (A)

Preventing VKC flares relies on curbing the allergic reaction before it starts. Starting a daily allergy eye drop several weeks before the allergy season provides ongoing suppression of mast cell degranulation and histamine release, reducing itching, redness, and inflammatory signs as pollen exposure begins. Steroid drops can be effective but are not ideal for routine pre-season prevention due to potential side effects with longer use, while antibiotics don’t target the allergic process and lubricating drops alone don’t prevent the inflammatory response. So the best preventive approach is a daily allergy eye drop started before the season.