Diagnosis and Treatment of Ocular Allergy

Abstract

The eye is probably the most common site for the development of allergic inflammatory disorders, since it has no mechanical barrier to prevent impact of allergens such as pollen on its surface. Primary care providers frequently encounter various forms of allergic diseases of the eye that present as “red eyes” in their general practice. However, the eye is rarely the only target for an immediate allergic-type response. Typically, many patients have other combinations of allergic disorder such as rhinoconjunctivitis, rhinosinusitis, asthma, urticaria and/or eczema; there also exists a systemic allergic component. Even so, ocular signs and symptoms can frequently be the most prominent features of the entire allergic response for which these patients come to see their physician.