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Basic science and pathophysiology of Ocular allergy

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Abstract

Ocular allergy includes several clinical subtypes ranging from the mild seasonal allergic conjunctivitis to the potentially sight-threatening atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Current therapies, particularly for the severe forms of disease, need to be more localized and with fewer side effects. For this to be achieved, it requires a better understanding of the basic mechanisms involved. In this chapter, recent findings are discussed that suggest that it is important to take an integrated approach, including both immune and structural elements of the eye. This provides potential new strategies for therapy, addressing the influence of structural cells in disease. These might influence the immune processes that take place and, as the structural cells are precisely localized, topical application is likely to be effective.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Clinical Ophthalmology, Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, 11/43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL, London, UK

    Virginia L. Calder PhD & Peter M. Lackie PhD

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  1. Virginia L. Calder PhD
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  2. Peter M. Lackie PhD
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Calder, V.L., Lackie, P.M. Basic science and pathophysiology of Ocular allergy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 4, 326–331 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-004-0079-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-004-0079-0

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