A 10-year-old boy presenting with significant ocular pruritus and injected sclera likely has which condition?

In this scenario, the symptoms presented by the 10-year-old boy, which include significant ocular pruritus (itchiness of the eyes) and injected sclera (redness of the white part of the eye), align with the characteristics of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. This condition is a form of allergic conjunctivitis that is more severe and typically occurs in children and young adults, most often during the spring and summer due to exposure to pollen and other allergens.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is distinguished by its acute symptoms of intense itching, redness, and sensitivity to light, alongside the potential for complications like corneal scarring if not treated properly. The prominent pruritus and redness observed in the patient effectively point toward this diagnosis, as they are hallmark features of the condition.

Allergic conjunctivitis does share similar symptoms such as itching and redness, but it generally presents in a less severe and more episodic manner compared to vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis typically occurs in individuals with a history of atopic dermatitis and is characterized by chronic symptoms and changes in the conjunctiva that differ from the more acute presentation seen in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.