Allergic Diseases of the Eye

This chapter discusses the background, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for allergic diseases of the eye. Ocular allergic diseases are multifactorial allergic inflammatory disorders of the ocular surface that affect the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane lining the anterior sclera and inner eyelid surfaces), eyelids, and the cornea. Ocular allergy includes allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Both seasonal and perennial subtypes of allergic conjunctivitis are self-limited disorders of the conjunctiva, and occur upon exposure to environmental allergens. AKC and VKC are chronic inflammatory ocular disorders. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is an inflammatory reaction to a foreign substance in the eye and is not a true allergic disease, but mimics features of ocular hypersensitivity, and so is sometimes categorized as an allergic eye disease. For patients diagnosed with VKC or AKC, visual acuity should be monitored, and eyes examined for corneal involvement.