Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Purpose of review: Ocular allergy is often encountered by allergists, ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and primary care physicians. An understanding of the immunologic mechanisms, the differential diagnosis, the clinical features, and the treatment of ocular allergy will be useful to all physicians who encounter these patients.
Recent findings: Basic and clinical research has provided a better understanding of the cells, mediators, and immunologic events which occur in ocular allergy. New pharmacological agents, including more potent mast cell stabilizers, and low-dose corticosteroids, have improved the efficacy and safety of ocular allergy treatment.
Summary: Physicians who currently treat ocular allergy have a greater familiarity with the signs and symptoms of allergic disease, a better understanding of the mechanisms and clinical features of allergic conjunctivitis, and improved therapeutic tools to deliver satisfactory outcomes in the management of ocular allergy.
Introduction
Ocular allergy is often encountered by allergists, ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and primary care physicians. An understanding of the immunologic mechanisms, the differential diagnosis, the clinical features, and the treatment of ocular allergy will be useful to all physicians who encounter these patients. Basic and clinical research has provided a better understanding of the cells, mediators, and immunologic events which occur in ocular allergy. New pharmacological agents, including more potent mast cell stabilizers, and low-dose corticosteroids, have improved the efficacy and safety of ocular allergy treatment. Physicians who currently treat ocular allergy have a greater familiarity with the signs and symptoms of allergic disease, a better understanding of the mechanisms and clinical features of allergic conjunctivitis, and improved therapeutic tools to deliver satisfactory outcomes in the management of ocular allergy.
The eye, like the respiratory tract, can be a target of acute allergic reactions. The most common ocular allergic condition is seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), and most SAC occurs in the spring, summer, and fall. Perennial allergens, such as animal dander, dust, and molds, can also affect the eye. The target tissue of the eye is the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane which covers most of the eye, and also lines the inside of the upper and lower eyelids. The anatomy and physiology of the conjunctiva are similar to the nasal mucosa, and allergic reactions in the two locations are similar.