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Advances in ocular allergy: basic mechanisms, clinical patterns and new therapies
A Solomon1, J Pe'er, F Levi-Schaffer
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|April 20, 2002
Summary
Recent advances in ocular allergy management include new topical medications for allergic conjunctivitis and promising DNA-based therapies. Surgical options are available for severe forms, addressing molecular mechanisms and clinical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ocular allergy involves complex molecular and cellular mechanisms, presenting daily challenges for ophthalmologists.
- Understanding T helper type 2 cytokines, adhesion molecules, and chemokines offers potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the basic mechanisms, clinical aspects, and therapeutic strategies for ocular allergic diseases.
- To highlight new pharmacological and surgical approaches in managing ocular allergies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published within the past year on ocular allergic diseases.
- Analysis of current and emerging treatment modalities, including medications and surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- Development of more potent topical mast cell stabilizers and H1 receptor antagonists for allergic conjunctivitis.
- Emergence of immunostimulatory DNA sequences as a novel treatment avenue, requiring further clinical validation.
- Surgical reconstruction techniques for sight-threatening conditions like vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding and treating ocular allergic diseases.
- Future treatments may involve targeted pharmacological agents and innovative therapies like immunostimulatory DNA.
- Surgical interventions remain crucial for managing severe, sight-threatening ocular allergic conditions.