Type 1 Hypersensitivity IgE Mediated EYES Allergic Conjunctivitis Affecting up to 40% of the population Itching, redness of the conjunctiva, and tear secretion Acute: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis perennial allergic conjunctivitis Chronic: vernal keratoconjunctivitis atopic keratoconjunctivitis
THEORETICAL BASIS
DEFINITION Allergic conjunctivitis is an immunological reaction in the conjunctiva mediated by IgE and is associated with itching, redness of the conjunctiva, and tear secretion. Risk factor : genetics, air pollution, atopy, pollen exposure, inflammation, and pet hair. Examples of common allergens to the conjunctival surface include tree/grass pollen, house dust mites, animal/pest dander, and mold spores
EPIDEMIOLOGY Allergic conjunctivitis affects approximately 15-40% of the global population. Up to 40-60% of allergic patients have ocular symptoms In the United States, between 70% and 80% of patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis may experience severe ocular symptoms
ETIOLOGY Based on etiology, there are several types : Simple Allergic Conjunctivitis Most cases of allergic conjunctivitis are secondary to simple allergen exposure on the ocular surface. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis also called "hay fever eyes," tends to worsen during spring and summer. The most common allergens responsible are tree and grass pollens
ETIOLOGY Based on etiology, there are several types : Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis occur throughout the year and is generally worse in autumn, primarily due to exposure to house mites, animal dander, and fungal spores Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis t he exact cause of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis is poorly understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of climate and allergen exposure. Vernal has 3 type : Palpebral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis affects the upper tarsal conjunctiva. Palpebral Limbal Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis affects individuals of black and Asian descent. Mixed Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
ETIOLOGY Based on etiology, there are several types : Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis The exact etiology of atopic keratoconjunctivitis remains unclear. However, it is believed to arise from various factors, including allergen exposure, atopic dermatitis (present in more than 90% of cases), and genetic predisposition. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis Allergen exposure and the resulting response in giant papillary conjunctivitis can be attributed to ocular foreign bodies.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY There are 3 phase : Sensitization Phase The first phase of the IgE -mediated immune response is sensitization. This phase defines the initial exposure of the allergen to the conjunctival mucosa. Early Phase Once an allergen is re-presented to sensitized mast cells, an allergic reaction is initiated. The natural environmental allergen binds to the IgE molecules on the mast cell receptors, leading to the cross-linking of molecules and subsequently signaling the degranulation of mast cells. Late Phase The late phase of the allergic response typically occurs about 6–12 h after the initial exposure. The release of chemokine factors from the early phase is responsible for the recruitment and infiltration of eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, Th2 lymphocytes, and monocytes into the conjunctiva.
SIGN AND SYMTOMS Typical signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include: Redness in both eyes. Itching and burning of both the eye and surrounding tissues. Watery discharge, often accompanied by acute discomfort in bright light (photophobia). Swollen eyelids which may become ‘heavy’ or ‘droopy’. In some severe cases, the eyelids are so swollen that they cannot completely open. Swollen conjunctiva which may look light purple and affect vision. Blurred vision or any change in the appearance of the cornea (clear part of the eye that covers the pupil) requires urgent referral to an eye specialist. Speak to your doctor or optometrist for a referral Trantas dot and coble stone
TREATMENT The management of allergic conjunctivitis includes preventative measures as well as non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment. The most effective treatment option for complete prevention of symptoms is avoiding the allergen to prevent triggering the initial cascade response. The option : topical, systemic
Topical Treatment
TREATMENT Systemic : Oral antihistamines can be given to resolve symptoms, but effectiveness is guaranteed. The oral drugs induce sleep and help reduce itching and eye rubbing. Some medications, such as loratadine, can cause slight drowsiness. Antibiotics Doxycycline 50 to 100 mg once daily for 6 weeks and Azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days can be given to reduce blepharitis aggravated inflammation, especially in Atopic Keratokonjunctivitis . Oral immunosuppressants Oral steroids, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, and azathioprine are useful in low doses for refractory allergic conjunctivitis. A short trial of high-dose steroids may be required to achieve control of the severe disease.
CONCLUSION
Allergic conjunctivitis is largely a type-1 IgE -mediated hypersensitivity reaction where eosinophils, mast cells, and Th2 lymphocytes play a pivotal role in the sensitization and early and late phases of the immunological response. A wide range of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments are available that can be tailored to the needs of each patient.