Introduction
Allergic conjunctivitis may occur alone but is often seen in the context of hay fever.
Epidemiology
- Incidence: 1000.00 cases per 100,000 person-years
- Peak incidence: 6-15 years
- Sex ratio: 1:1
| <1 | 1-5 | 6+ | 16+ | 30+ | 40+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+ |
Clinical features
Features
- Bilateral symptoms conjunctival erythema, conjunctival swelling (chemosis)
- Itch is prominent
- the eyelids may also be swollen
- May be a history of atopy
- May be seasonal (due to pollen) or perennial (due to dust mite, washing powder or other allergens)
Management
Management of allergic conjunctivitis
- first-line: topical or systemic antihistamines
- second-line: topical mast-cell stabilisers, e.g. Sodium cromoglicate and nedocromil