Abstract
AimTo systematically review relevant literature investigating the classification and nomenclature, epidemiology and pathophysiological mechanisms, as well as diagnosis and treatment of ocular allergy. MethodThe Medline, PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases were used to search for evidence-based literature on ocular allergy. Main outcome measuresClassification and nomenclature, epidemiology and pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis and management of ocular allergy. ResultsThe search retrieved 5200 number of studies of which 6 met the criteria. ConclusionsWhile numerous studies regarding pharmacological and immunological research have identified new treatment options, there is a dearth of clinical studies to discover the biomarkers and immune therapeutic management to control sensitisation and effector phases of this condition. Given the complexity of this condition due to the multifactorial nature of the possible aetiologies, rigorous well-designed scientific studies are needed to determine the exact classification, prevalence and underlying immune pathological processes of ocular allergy.
Highlights
Ocular allergies encompass a group of hypersensitivity disorders to normally harmless substances, known as allergens and can be observed as the only dominant presentation of an allergic sensitisation, or are associated with rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis or food allergy (Leonardi et al, 2012)
The most common clinical presentations of ocular allergy are conjunctival hyperaemia and chemosis, itching and tearing, and vision loss in severe cases (Chowdhury, 2013; Leonardi, De Dominicis, & Motterle, 2007). Management of this condition is based on minimising contact of the causal allergen with the conjunctiva using a series of protective measures, with medication assisting in controlling the symptoms produced by the allergic inflammatory process (Chowdhury, 2013; La Rosa et al, 2013)
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is the most common form of all ocular allergy disease, and is usually triggered by exposure to airborne pollens produced by plants that cause hay fever, the signs and symptoms typically occurring in spring and summer (La Rosa et al, 2013)
Summary
Ocular allergies encompass a group of hypersensitivity disorders to normally harmless substances, known as allergens and can be observed as the only dominant presentation of an allergic sensitisation, or are associated with rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis or food allergy (Leonardi et al, 2012). The most common clinical presentations of ocular allergy are conjunctival hyperaemia (redness) and chemosis (swelling), itching and tearing, and vision loss in severe cases (Chowdhury, 2013; Leonardi, De Dominicis, & Motterle, 2007). Management of this condition is based on minimising contact of the causal allergen with the conjunctiva using a series of protective measures, with medication assisting in controlling the symptoms produced by the allergic inflammatory process (Chowdhury, 2013; La Rosa et al, 2013). Healthsagesondheid 2 2 ( 2 0 1 7 ) 1 1 2 e1 2 2 to systematically review scientific and published research studies on the classification and nomenclature, epidemiology and pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis and management of ocular allergy
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