ICON: Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Conjunctivitis.

ICON: Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Conjunctivitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019 Nov 20;: Authors: Bielory L, Delgado L, Katelaris CH, Leonardi A, Rosario N, Vichyanoud P Abstract Ocular allergy (OA), interchangeably known as allergic conjunctivitis, is a common immunological hypersensitivity disorder affecting up to 40% of the population. OA has been increasing in frequency with symptoms of itching, redness, and swelling that significantly impacts an individual's quality of life (QOL). OA is an often underdiagnosed and under-treated health problem as only 10% of patients with OA symptoms seek medical attention while the majority of patients manage with over the counter medications and complementary nonpharmacological remedies. The clinical course, duration, severity, and co-morbidities are varied and depend, in part, on the specific ocular tissues that are affected and on immunologic mechanism(s) involved, both local and systemic. It is frequently associated with allergic rhinitis (commonly recognized as allergic rhino conjunctivitis), and with other allergic comorbidities. The predominance of self-management increases the risk of suboptimal therapy that leads to recurrent exacerbations and the potential for development of more chronic conditions that can lead to corneal complications and interference with the visual axis. There are multiple, often co-existing etiologies, and a broad differential diagnosis for OA increasi...
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol Source Type: research