Professional Group

Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) syndrome, although more commonly diagnosed in adults, can also affect children and adolescents. Pediatric cases present unique clinical challenges due to differences in immune response, disease expression, and long-term treatment implications. Early recognition and tailored management are essential to preserve vision and support healthy development.

Children with VKH syndrome often present with bilateral visual disturbance, photophobia, and eye redness. However, younger patients may struggle to articulate symptoms clearly, leading to delayed diagnosis. Systemic features such as headaches, fatigue, and auditory complaints may be subtle or overlooked. As a result, clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating pediatric uveitis.

Treatment strategies in children must balance disease control with safety. Systemic corticosteroids remain the first line of therapy, but prolonged exposure can affect growth, bone density, and metabolic health. Therefore, careful dosing and close monitoring are critical. Early introduction of steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents is often considered to minimize long-term side effects.

Regular follow-up is particularly important in pediatric VKH syndrome. Ongoing assessment of visual acuity, ocular inflammation, and systemic health helps ensure timely treatment adjustments. Imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography are valuable tools for monitoring disease activity without invasive procedures.