Epidemiology of Ocular Allergy: An NHANES III Data Review, 1988-1994.

Abstract

RATIONALE:50 million Americans suffer from allergies (5th leading chronic disease) among all age groups, with increasing prevalence across all age, race, and gender groups. However, the prevalence of ocular allergy is poorly described. METHODS: The NHANES III survey utilizing items from the questionnaire regarding ocular allergy symptoms and nasal allergic symptoms in relation to skin prick testing were stratified by age, race, region, and gender. RESULTS: The sample size was 20,010 with 59% answering the relevant questions determining the subset populations; 1285 (6.4%) reported ocular symptoms (OS), 3294 (16.5%) nasal symptoms (NS), 5944 (29.7%) reported both ocular and nasal symptoms (ONS) and 9487 (47.4%) were asymptomatic (AS). 40% of the population reported at least one occurrence of ocular symptom. 30% of those with NS or ONS were 17-29 year-old while 10% were 70-89 year-old; geographic distribution displayed 17-22% Northeast; 21-25% Midwest; 18-21% West and 35-38% South. Phenology of symptoms demonstrated NS and ONS peaks in Spring (April-May) and Fall (Sept-Oct); OS in June/July. OS > NS in relation to animals (p < 0.001), housedust (p < 0.001), and pollen (p < 0.001). OS wheal reactivity weeds > grass, mold and indoor allergens; OS > NS (6-18% vs. 2-11%). ONS population showed greater wheal reactivity in all categories of allergens; weed (10.6-25%) > tree (10.3%), grass (11.5%), and indoor allergens such as cat (12.6%) and mite (10.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Up to 40% of the population experienced ocular symptoms, the highest estimated reported to date. These implications will necessitate that anterior inflammatory disorders of the eye including ocular allergy be addressed on a public health level.