Abstract

NAVARRETE-RODRIGUEZ, Elsy; SIENRA-MONGE, Juan José Luis  and  URENA-ORTIZ, Roberto. Ocular allergy. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2018, vol.61, n.3, pp.7-16. ISSN 2448-4865.

Ocular allergy is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the ocular conjunctiva and include seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis and contact blepharoconjunctivitis; affects approximately 10% of world population being most affected those patients with other allergic diseases; the diagnosis is clinical and is integrated through the symptoms and findings found during the physical examination.

The main goals of treatment in allergic conjunctivitis are minimize and control the signs and symptoms of the disease, including the reduction of pruritus, hyperemia and edema of the conjunctiva and eyelids as well as improving the quality of life of the patient; treatment includes non-pharmacological measures such as avoiding irritant stimuli, use of artificial tears, application of cold compresses and medications such as vasoconstrictors, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, dual acting agents, steroids and immunomodulatory drugs, as well as specific allergen immunotherapy.

Changes triggered by inflammation of the conjunctiva produce mechanical corneal damage and in severe and chronic cases of the disease, corneal damage can result in decreased visual acuity, which results in a decrease patient's quality of life.

Keywords : Ocular allergy; seasonal allergic conjunctivitis; perennial allergic conjunctivitis; vernal keratoconjunctivitis; atopic keratoconjunctivitis; contact blepharoconjunctivitis.

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