Abstract

ESCOBAR VALENCIA, MAURICIO FERNANDO  and  CARDONA VILLA, RICARDO. Ocular allergy: a diagnostic challenge. Iatreia [online]. 2007, vol.20, n.4, pp.362-378. ISSN 0121-0793.

The eye, one of the most sensitive organs, is permanently exposed to different environmental agents. Since the conjunctiva is an immunologically active tissue, it is not surprising for it to be a common site for allergic responses. Ocular allergies constitute a group of diseases affecting the conjunctival surface; they are usually associated with type 1 hypersensitivity reactions. This disorder can be divided into several categories: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Ocular surface inflammation results in itching, tearing, conjunctival edema, and photophobia. As is the case with other allergic diseases, a chronic situation can also develop, accompanied by remodeling of the ocular surface tissues. Ocular allergy management strategies are increasing exponentially, and a growing list of agents aimed at protecting the eye from inflammation is available to clinicians. We displayed a revision on the main forms of ocular allergy, making emphasis in clinical picture, diagnosis and in the new therapeutic options available at the present time.

Keywords : ATOPIC KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS; OCULAR ALLERGY; PERENNIAL ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS; SEASONAL ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS; VERNAL KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS.

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