Eye Allergy Research Articles

Clinical manifestations and effectiveness of therapy for eye allergy and dry eye syndrome

Clinical manifestations and effectiveness of therapy for eye allergy and dry eye syndrome

Immunotherapy: Current indications and recommendations in the management of ocular allergy

Abstract Allergic diseases, including allergic conjunctivitis (AC), pose a significant health burden, affecting both developed and developing nations. Despite its importance, AC is often underreported, leading to underestimated incidence and prevalence. The coexistence of AC with allergic rhinitis and its comorbidity with asthma underscore its clinical relevance. The prevalence of nasal symptoms with eye symptoms related to eye allergy varies among different age groups and regions worldwide. Climatic factors, aeroallergens, and environmental exposure play significant roles in the prevalence of ocular allergies. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) represents the only disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergic diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the history, mechanisms, and evidence of AIT for ocular allergies, with a focus on AC. The primary routes of AIT, subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are discussed in detail. The evidence for AIT in treating AC is extensive and demonstrates its effectiveness in alleviating ocular symptoms, reducing medication usage, and improving the quality of life in patients. Both SCIT and SLIT have shown positive results, with SLIT having a more favorable safety profile. Considerations for initiating and maintaining AIT, including adherence, financial burden, and treatment duration, are highlighted. In summary, AIT is a valuable treatment option for AC, offering long-term symptom relief and potential cost-effectiveness. By understanding the history, mechanisms, and evidence of AIT, healthcare providers can better manage ocular allergies and improve patient outcomes.

Ocular morbidity profiles of out-of-school children in a North Indian urban slum.

This study evaluates the recent trends in ocular morbidities and vision-related practices in "out-of-school" children in urban slums of Gurugram in North India. In this observational study, a validated questionnaire was administered to 161 students from two nonformal slum schools. Sociocultural, demographic data, vision-related practices, and visual acuity with subjective refraction of the children were recorded. A total of 80 boys and 81 girls (9.17 ± 2.58 years) participated in this study. About 40% of the children were from lower socioeconomic status. The visual acuity recorded for all the children, except three children, was 6/6 in both eyes. One child had a pre-phthisical eye with no light perception, following a childhood trauma, with the other eye having 6/6 vision. Two children had refractive errors (myopia and compound myopic astigmatism), with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/6. Thirteen children (8%) had Bitot's spots and 67 (35.4%) had allergic conjunctivitis. Eight (5%) children complained of dry eye-related symptoms like redness and watering of eyes, while 19 (11.8%) had diffuse headache. Average number of years spent in school for these children was less than 1.7 years (range: 1 month-6 years). Only 10.5% of the children gave the history of watching television more than 30 h/week. Significant association was found between the income of father and use of digital devices in children below 10 years ( P = 0.003) and children playing outdoors ( P = 0.001). There was a significant association noted for age and use of digital devices ( P = 0.037). The prevalence of refractive errors in "out-of-school" children of urban slum was much less than the national average. Almost one in three children suffered from eye allergies, while 8% children had Bitot's spots. The data about the prevalence of ocular comorbidities in underserved areas like urban slums can be used to update and strategize eye health-care delivery models for out-of-school children.

Evaluation of Autophagy in Conjunctival Fibroblasts.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a serious eye allergy characterized by poorly understood pathogenic mechanisms and a lack of effective treatments. Autophagy, a process involved in both triggering and suppressing immune and inflammatory responses, plays a role in VKC's pathophysiology. Understanding autophagy's involvement in VKC could lead to new treatment possibilities, such as utilizing specific topical substances to induce or inhibit autophagy and prevent severe complications of this eye condition. In our current protocol, we present a robust methodology established in our laboratory for studying autophagy in primary conjunctival fibroblasts. We assess autophagy through techniques like immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting, and qPCR.

Protective properties of AgNPs green-synthesized by Camellia sinensis on ovalbumin-induced allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is the main usual red eye cause influencing many people. Allergic conjunctivitis is like an umbrella that includes different types of clinical manifestations, from a mild but annoying form of IgE-dependent allergy to inhaled allergens to very severe forms such as keratoconjunctivitis. Cornea involvement in allergic conjunctivitis needs the steroids use, which can cause severe eye complications. Research on allergic conjunctivitis should focus more on more severe forms of eye allergies to gain a better the pathophysiology understanding of the disease, diagnosis methods should be standardized and new treatment methods should be suggested. In the recent study, due to high therapeutic effects of Camellia sinensis, we used its aqueous extract for green-synthesizing of the silver nanoparticles and allergic conjunctivitis treatment in the in vivo condition. UV–Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM and TEM were used for characterization of nanoparticles. This research therefore evaluated the AgNPs@Camellia sinensis antiallergic potential in ovalbumin-induced allergic conjunctivitis and attempted to predict its mode of action. ELISA determined serum ovalbumin-specific total IgE, IgE and IgG. Clinical scores for allergic conjunctivitis induced by intraperitoneal ovalbumin sensitization and topical conjunctival challenge in Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs were estimated after treatment with 10, 20, 40 and 80 µg kg−1 AgNPs@Camellia sinensis, 10 mg kg−1 chlorpheniramine, 30 mg kg−1 prednisolone, or 10 mL kg−1 PBS. Serum ovalbumin-specific total IgE, IgE and IgG decreased significantly (p < 0.01). The conjunctival tissue in AgNPs@Camellia sinensis treated guinea pigs had mild mononuclear infiltration compared to the PBS-treated ones, which had intense conjunctival tissue inflammatory infiltration. The 40 and 80 mg kg−1 AgNPs@Camellia sinensis treatment resulted in allergic conjunctivitis low clinical score.

The association between keratoconus and allergic eye diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the association between keratoconus (KC) and allergic eye diseases, eye rubbing, and atopy. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies investigating eye allergy, atopy, and eye rubbing as risk factors for KC up to April 2021. Two authors independently screened all titles and abstracts against the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study analysed the prevalence of KC and its risk factors, including eye rubbing, family history of KC, atopy, and allergic eye diseases. The National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool was used. Pooled data are presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The analysis was conducted using RevMan version 5.4 software. The initial search yielded 573 articles. After screening, 21 studies were identified for qualitative analysis and 15 for quantitative synthesis. A significant association was found between KC and eye rubbing (OR=5.22, 95% CI [2.80, 9.75], p < 0.00001), family history of KC (OR=6.67, 95% CI [4.77, 9.33], p < 0.00001), and allergies (OR=2.21, 95% CI [1.57, 3.13], p < 0.00001). However, no significant association was found between KC and allergic eye disease (OR=1.82, 95% CI [0.37, 8.97], p=0.46), atopy (OR=1.54, 95% CI [0.58, 4.09], p=0.39), allergic rhinitis (OR=0.85, 95% CI [0.54, 1.33], p=0.47), smoking (OR=0.96, 95% CI [0.76, 1.21], p=0.73), and asthma (OR=1.58, 95% CI [0.99, 2.53], p=0.05). Significant associations were observed between KC and eye rubbing, family history, and allergy, but not with allergic eye disease, atopy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

Concurrent Rising of Dry Eye and Eye Strain Symptoms Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Students spend extended hours using electronic devices due to online teaching. Digital eye strain (DES) and dry eye disease (DED) symptoms are both associated with prolonged screen exposure time and may co-occur. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between DES and DED symptoms and determine the prevalence of DED according to the severity of DES. This cross-sectional study was conducted among international students in Chinese universities. The survey was built using Wenjuan Mini Program and distributed using the WeChat platform. The questionnaire assessed participants' screen exposure, the 20-20-20 rule, ED practices, and DED awareness. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) were used to diagnose DES and DED symptoms, respectively. 498 students completed the survey, but 452 were considered for the study. Predictors of DES and DED symptoms were conjunctivitis, eye allergy, glares, tired eye, neck pain, back pain, PhD students, and daily spending > 9h on screen (P < 0.05 for all). We observed that an increase in DES scores also exponentially increases DED scores. Among students diagnosed with DES symptoms, 26.5% had mild to moderate DED symptoms, and 8.2% had severe DED symptoms. In contrast, only 8.4% and 0.9% of those with asymptomatic DES had mild to moderate and severe DED symptoms, respectively (P < 0.000). A strong and significant positive correlation (r = 0.695, P < 0.000) between DES and DED scores was found. We found an extremely high prevalence of DES and DED symptoms compared to the previous studies with a similar population group. We believe that the prevalence of DED may be underestimated in the young population. Training about proper ED practices is mandatory to prevent these deleterious ocular surface conditions.

Assessment of soil properties from coir pith waste dump yard

The research region, Kallipatti, is surrounded by coconut farms, coir pith companies, and other businesses, and people report that water has become their primary concern in the last three years. Skin and eye allergies, as well as lung and throat infections, have been on the rise. Coir pith degrades slowly and can be found in the soil for long periods of time. Coir pith is tenacious and accumulates in the environment, generating hillocks that pollute the environment in locations near coir fibre extraction plants. These units contribute significantly to the pollution of the environment, both on land and in the water. Coir pith is easily blown by the wind, causing pollution in the air. The leaching of tannin and salts from coir pith hillocks during monsoon rains pollutes ground water, which is detrimental to fisheries, animals, and humans because most of these pollutants are difficult to remove using waste treatment procedures. Because of the vast quantities of coir pith kept, leachates containing residual phenol from these landfills seep into the soil, thereby polluting it. and causes contamination of ground water, especially during the rainy season. It’s a great place for rats and other bug pests to breed. Despite the fact that coir pith is a hazardous waste, it can be turned into beneficial organic manure by microbial breakdown. Pollution sources are identified, soil samples are taken, physical properties of the soil samples are measured, and critical nutrients for crop growth such as nitrogen and soil OC (organic carbon) are examined in this study. These criteria should be evaluated to determine the health of the soil. The results are compared to IS code 1498-1970 (Soil classification and identification) and IS 2720-1985 (Methods of testing for soils).

Dry eye disease and risks of urban air pollution – literature review

Air pollution has a major impact on health, and it particularly affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and the eyes. The ocular effects of chronic, long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution are still unclear. The increase in air pollution levels can be associated with an increase in the instability of the tear film. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and discuss the available data about chronic eye diseases in regions with high air pollution. Furthermore, the review also offers a certain understanding of the link between chronic dry eye disease (DED) and air pollution. Materials and methods: Specific keywords (dry eye, air pollution, and urban) were used to search the medical databases of PubMed and Medline. This research technique led to obtaining 103 papers, dating from 1995 to 2021. Out of those, 15 were used as the basis of this paper. Results: The pathophysiological mechanisms of oxidative stress and ocular surface inflammation involve the selective binding of environmental agents to ocular surface membrane receptors, leading to the activation of proinflammatory signaling pathways with changes in the extracellular stromal matrix and consequent occurrence of inflammation of the ocular surface with epithelial defects. Conclusions: Dry eye disease, pollution, and eye allergy overlap, but their presentations can be different. Future advancements in monitoring technology and the development of modern, non-invasive diagnostic methods will help prove the link between air pollutants and DED. The points should be aimed at preventing the global risks of antigenic stimulation of "urban eye".

The association between keratoconus and allergic eye diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate association between keratoconus and allergic eye diseases, eye rubbing, and atopy. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for relevant published studies from inception to April 2021 without restrictions or filters. We included case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that investigated eye allergy, atopy, or eye rubbing as possible risk factors for KC. Two authors independently screened all titles and abstracts against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study analysed keratoconus prevalence and risk factors including eye rubbing, family history of keratoconus, atopy, and allergic eye diseases. The National Institute of Health Study Quality Assessment tool was utilised. Pooled data were presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analysis was conducted using RevMan version 5.3 software. Out of 573 articles, we excluded 161 duplicates than 361 articles by title and abstract screening. The remaining 51 articles underwent full-text screening, and 29 articles were excluded. Twenty-one studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and fifteen for quantitative synthesis. There was no significant association found between KC and allergic eye diseases (OR=1.03, 95% CI [0.96, 1.11], p= 0.45), eye rubbing (OR=1.59, 95% CI [0.70, 3.63], p= 0.27), or atopy (OR=1.08, 95% CI [0.80, 1.44], p= 0.62). No significant association was observed between KC and allergic eye disease, eye rubbing, or atopy. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify and validate these findings.

Demographic and clinical variations of keratoconus in Saudi population.

PURPOSE:The aim of this prospective study was to identify the demographic and clinical variations of keratoconus (KC) in Saudi Arabia.METHODS:A self-administered survey was completed by patients in Saudi hospitals. The survey included questions on demographics, educational level, treatment options, dry eye, eye rubbing because of allergy, residence, family history, and consanguineous marriage.RESULTS:Six hundred and forty-eight patients (375 – male, 273 – female; mean age: 26.89 [standard deviation: 7.04] years; range: 11–50 years) were conducted at 13 central hospitals in all 13 administrate areas of Saudi Arabia over a 1-year period. Five hundred and forty-three (83.8%) patients had a secondary school diploma or diploma's degree of education and mostly were from the Aseer and Riyadh regions. The geographical distribution rate of KC was highest in the mountainous areas. For dry eye, 21.9% and 44.8% of the patients, respectively, reported frequent or occasional dryness and 13.4% and 48.9% of the patients, respectively, reported frequent or occasional bouts of eye allergy. Furthermore, 17.9% and 61.9% of the patients, respectively, reported that they constantly or sometimes rubbed their eyes. Marriages were endogamous in 53.5% of the patients and the family history was positive by 56.8%. There was a history of ocular disease in 27% of the patients and the systemic disease was 13%.CONCLUSION:This study is the first to describe the regional demographic and clinical variations of KC in Saudi Arabia. Its findings suggest that the different distribution of keratoconic patients between provinces is attributable to genetic and/or environmental factors.

Management of Vataja abhishyanda (Allergic conjunctivitis) with Gutika anjana and Punarnavadi eye drops: A comparative clinical study

Background: Vataja Abhishyanda is characterized by Toda (Pricking pain), Sangharsha (foreign body sensation), Achchasruta (watery discharge), Alpa Shopha (mild chemosis), Vishushka Bhava (feeling of dryness), Parushya (roughness) etc which are very similar to the most of signs and symptoms of the Allergic Conjunctivitis. It is one of the most common type of eye allergy and is widely experienced by global population. Aims and Objective: . To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Punarnavadi eye drops and Gutika Anjana in the management of Vataja Abhishyanda(Allergic conjunctivitis). Materials and methods: Total 104 patients diagnosed with symptoms and signs of Vataja Abhishyanda were selected from the outpatient department of Shalakya tantra. The selected patients were assigned randomly into two groups, group A (Punarnavadi eye drop) having 51 and group B (Gutika Anjana) having 50 patients. Duration of treatment was 8weeks with follow up for one month after the trial. Result: In Group A, 96.08% got complete relief after the completion of treatment, 03.92% got marked improvement. In Group B, 98% got complete relief after the completion of treatment, 2% got marked improvement. Conclusion: Gutika Anjana shows better relief in all sign and symptoms on the basis of percentage. The reason may be Anjana has maximum absorption due to more contact of time with the tissue which is responsible for better bioavailability.

Les modalités d’utilisation de la ciclosporine locale pour l’allergie oculaire

Of the common allergic conjunctivitis in children, rare forms present more severe prognosis which include vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis affects children mainly boys from 3 to 15 years old and represents a serious, descolarizing pathology affecting quality of life of the child. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis clearly affects adults more frequently with moderate to severe degrees of severity. Thus, the last few years have had the objective of developing innovative therapies to improve the management of these severe keratoconjunctivitis. It is essential to recognize the clinical form of these eye allergies for the implementation of appropriate treatment. Topical corticosteroids, although most often effective, can create dependence and moreover cause iatrogenic or even severe visual impairment complications. The latest studies on ciclosporin which is an immunosuppressive agent, have demonstrated major steroid-sparing effects. The proper use of topical cyclosporine must be well monitored. Nowadays, topical ciclosporine at 0.1%, has received the AMM for the indication of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and a new dosage at 2% received the AMM for the treatment of keratoplasty. Tacrolimus ointment having more powerful effects than cyclosporine is of interest in severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis and in fact especially in atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Therefore, in addition Tacrolimus treats atopic eyelid eczema. The various latest generation antiallergics can be useful in combination in ocular allergy. In very severe cases, Omalizumab, a human monoclonal antibody produced by the so-called recombinant DNA technique, selectively binds human immunoglobulin E (IgE) and has shown its effectiveness combined with ciclosporine in recent studies. Topical ciclosporine used appropriately can be a steroid-sparing agent in severe ocular allergy and improve the quality of life of children.

CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ERANDA PATRADI PUTPAKA IN VATAJA ABHISHYANDA: A REVIEW

Our ancient seers have given prime importance to eye by considering it as most vital sense organ among all sense organ. It says that “sarvendriyaanam madhye nayanasy pradhanatavata” Nowadays due to exposure to dust and irritants, eye hygiene is not properly maintained. In addition to these habits like excessive work on computer and excessive use of mobile phones have increased incidence of diseases of eye like dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, glaucoma, computer vision syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy which are caused due to defective lifestyle. In Ayurveda the local treatment procedures of eye are explained as Netra Kriyakalpas. Ancient acharyas have explained 5 Kriyakalpas which alleviate the disease and to strengthen the proper functioning of eye, Putpaka is one among them. Putpaka is highly modified procedure for ophthalmic medication in which Putpaka rasa is used in the same mode of Tarpana. Vataja abhishyanda is one of Sarvagata rogas. According to modern ophthalmology Vataja abhishyanda can be correlated with allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common type of eye allergy.

Common bacterial causes of external ocular infections, associated risk factors and antibiotic resistance among patients at ophthalmology unit of Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOcular infections are a serious public health problem in Ethiopia with increased incidence of morbidity and blindness. Empirical therapy with topical ophthalmic broad spectrum antibiotic formulations is also a prevailing practice. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial causes of external ocular infections (EOIs), antimicrobial resistance and its associated risk factors among patients at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital based cross - sectional study was conducted from 1 February to 30 April 2019. Patients with EOIs were consecutively included from 1 February to 30 April, 2019. Data were collected using structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview and complemented with patient card review. Conjunctival, eyelid margin and lacrimal sac swabs were collected aseptically. Bacterial species were identified using standard bacteriological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Binary logistic regression analysis was calculated to identify the factors associated with EOIs. P.value (p) < < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 360 patients took part in the study and majority of them were males (64.7%). The median age of study participants was 59.5 years. Overall, 208(57.8%) (95%CI = 52.6– - 62.8%) of patients had culture confirmed bacterial EOIs. The proportion of culture confirmed EOIs was 60.4% among conjunctivitis cases and 55.8% among blepharitis. Ocular trauma (P < < 0.001), ocular disease (P < < 0.001) and having eye allergy (P = 0.027) were significantly associated with EOIs. The most frequent isolates were S. aureus (37%), K. pneumoniae (13.5%), Proteus(7.2%) spp., S. pneumoniae (4.3%), Citrobacter spp. (3.4%) and P. aeruginosa (2.9%). Gram positive isolates were resistant to penicillin in 87% and ampicillin in 86.2%. Gram negative isolates were resistant to ampicillin (87.5%). P.aeruginosa isolates (85.3%) were resistant to piperacillin and 50% were resistant to tobramycin. Overall, 45.2% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. The percentage of multi-drug resistance was 80% among Enterobacter isolates and 64.3% among K. pneumoniae.ConclusionsBacterial external ocular infections linked with multi-drug resistance and resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline and piperacillin are high. Therefore, empirical treatment of eye infections in the study area needs to be monitored by regular antimicrobial-susceptibility testing of isolates.

Impact of Quarantine During COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of Patients with Allergic Conjunctivitis.

IntroductionThe conjunctiva is one of the most frequently damaged targets for inflammatory responses induced by allergic immunological hypersensitivity reactions. Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) typically manifests as a spectrum of potential severity, ranging from mild symptoms to severe troublesome symptoms that might interfere significantly with daily activities and overall quality of life.AimThis study aimed to evaluate impact of the quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of allergic conjunctivitis patients.Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted among confirmed patients with allergic conjunctivitis in Saudi Arabia from the period of July 2020 to September 2020. An electronic validated structured-questionnaire explored the participants' demography, symptoms, known allergen and risk factors, and patient psychological and functional domains of life using Eye Allergy Patient Impact Questionnaire (EAPIQ). Data were gathered in MS Excel and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.ResultsThe most common symptoms of AC was itching (79.9%) and redness of the eye (38.8%), while the most common causes was dust (46.9%) and pollens (46.9%). With regards to the assessment of EAPIQ, the mean score was higher in the impact of eye allergy symptoms domain (mean 12.6 ± 4.84 SD.), while it was lower in the impact of AC on the psychological and emotional domain (mean 10.7 ± 5.62 SD.). Statistical analysis revealed that previous history of AC and a visit to healthcare provider were the significant factors associated with the increased risk of eye allergy symptoms, troubled daily activities and bothered psychological and emotional life.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a patients' eye allergy symptoms affect many aspects of patients' daily activities. In addition to affecting functionality, these symptoms also affect patients' emotional state. Although the impact of daily activities and emotions due to eye allergy were minimal, the impact of eye allergy symptoms during quarantine period was still found to be moderate. We found the severity of AC & its impact over a patients’ quality of life was moderate which suggests there was no major effect found on AC severity during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine period. Further studies with detailed analysis of triggering factors might lead to a better understanding of the disease and its relation to the patients’ activities & lifestyle which can directly affect the AC management & quality of life.

Occupational-Related Contact Dermatitis: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Healthcare Workers in the Al'Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate and investigate the prevalence and the risk factors implicated in contact dermatitis among healthcare workers in the Al'Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodologyWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among healthcare workers at hospitals in the Al'Qassim region. Data was collected using a standardized and validated Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire version 2002. We included 408 participants in the analysis.ResultsThe majority of the respondents (66.7%) were females. The mean age of participants was 34 (SD: ±9) years. Most of the participants who reported contact dermatitis were nurses (58.6%). Direct patient care roles represent 78% of participants. Respondents who work 40-50 hours per week represent 61.5% of the sample. The most commonly recorded symptoms were dryness (92.9%), itchiness (50%), and redness (46.4%) of the skin. The most affected site was hand 93.5%. Hand cleanser was the commonest substance implicated in the worsening of the skin changes (59.2%). Protective glove material that worsens contact dermatitis, such as natural rubber/latex, represents 76% of responses. A significant association (p=0.001)was seen in the occurrence of contact dermatitis in those with a history of allergic eye symptoms (33.3%) and those without (58%). Participants with a mean age of 26.47 years were more prone to develop contact dermatitis (CI: 1.19-7.06; p=0.067). Pharmacists and interns had 3.69 and 4.90 times higher odds of having contact dermatitis (CI: 0.95-7.33; CI: 22.1; p=0.027; p=0.038, respectively). Those involved in patient education and research activities at work were 6.48 (p=0.017) and 20.51 (p=0.024) times likely to develop contact dermatitis (CI: 1.38-30.31; CI: 1.49-282.15, respectively).ConclusionsWe explored the prevalence and risk factors for occupational contact dermatitis among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of reported skin changes during the pandemic was 46.4%. Our study also showed that the risk factors of developing contact dermatitis include female gender, history of eye allergies, and young age group.

Relationships Between Short-Term Exposure to an Indoor Environment and Dry Eye (DE) Symptoms.

Air composition influences Dry Eye (DE) symptoms as demonstrated by studies that have linked the outdoor environment to DE. However, there is insufficient data on the effect of short-term exposure to indoor environments on DE symptoms. We conducted a prospective experimental research, in which an older building served as an experimental site, and a newer building served as the control site. Indoor air quality was monitored in both buildings. One-hundred-and-ninety-four randomly selected individuals were interviewed in the afternoon exiting the buildings and de-identified responses were recorded. Self-reported DE symptoms were modeled with respect to experimental and control buildings, adjusting for potential confounders. The experimental site had 2-fold higher concentration of airborne particulate matter (24,436 vs. 12,213 ≥ 0.5 µm/ft3) and microbial colonies (1066 vs. 400/m3), as compared to the control building. DE symptoms were reported by 37.5% of individuals exiting the experimental and 28.4% exiting the control building. In the univariate analysis, subjects exiting the experimental building were 2.21× more likely to report worsening of DE symptoms since morning compared to the control building (p < 0.05). When adjusting for confounders, including a history of eye allergy, subjects from the experimental building were 13.3× more likely to report worsening of their DE symptoms (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that short-term exposure to adverse indoor environmental conditions, specifically air pollution and bioaerosols, has an acutely negative impact on DE symptoms.

Questionnaires Assessing the Quality of Life of Ocular Allergy Patients

Over the last 25 years, health-related quality of life has received increasing recognition, as it aids health practitioners in understanding the way a patient may be impacted by their health condition. Specifically, ocular allergy has been found to affect an individual emotionally, physically, socially, and economically. Hence, scientists have developed multiple questionnaires, based on the different etiologies of ocular allergy, to assess the quality of life of individuals affected by the condition. One highly regarded questionnaire is the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire and its variations, namely the Standardised Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Nocturnal Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Adolescent Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Paediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. Other questionnaires include the Eye Allergy Patient Impact Questionnaire and the Quality of Life of Children with Allergic Keratoconjunctivitis questionnaire, among others that are suitable for different countries. The purpose of this commentary was to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each questionnaire by critically analyzing psychometric properties, identifying which ocular allergy domains are present, and evaluating additional features that are important to a questionnaire.

Clinical forms of allergic eye manifestations: prospects of therapy

The review presents the main clinical forms of eye allergy. The modern classification of conjunctival allergic diseases (CAD) divides them into several types according to the presence or absence of proliferative changes complicated by atopic dermatitis or mechanical artifactual irritation. These include: 1) allergic conjunctivitis (AC) without proliferative changes, including seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and chronic allergic conjunctivitis, in which the symptoms persist the whole year; 2) atopic keratoconjunctivitis, a chronic allergic conjunctival disease affecting patients with atopic dermatitis, 3) spring keratoconjunctivitis with conjunctival and proliferative changes — papillary conjunctival hyperplasia with the involvement of the cornea (superficial punctate keratitis, erosion, persistent epithelial defect, sterile corneal ulceration), 4) giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) accompanied by proliferative changes in the upper lid and the arch of the conjunctiva of the eyeball, caused by mechanical irritation factors (contact lenses, eye prostheses, or surgical sutures). To treat these conditions, the following groups of medications are used: artificial tears; topical antihistamine drugs; mast cell membrane stabilizers; dualaction drugs, preferably without preservatives, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medications and vasoconstrictors having side effects. Olopatadin 1 mg/1 ml, preservative free (Olofadin -ECO), has certain advantages due to the fact that it combines antihistamine and membrane stabilizing action. Due to the presence of an antihistamine component in the composition, an acute reaction is stopped, while the effect of the drug is accumulated due to the presence of a membrane-stabilizing component. It is safe for long-term therapy.