[Allergic conditions of the eye]

In the doctor's office, seasonal and non-seasonal conjunctivitis must be differentiated from more serious conditions. These include vernal conjunctivitis which, when chronic, represents a risk for corneal complications. In atopic keratoconjunctivitis, too, which manifests in every fourth patient with atopic dermatitis, the patient's vision is in danger. Furthermore, wearers of contact lenses may develop characteristic conjunctival changes or a contact allergy triggered by lens cleansing fluid. When the diagnosis has been established, treatment with local or systemic antihistaminics, H1 blockers or mast cell stabilizers can be initiated. In contrast, the indication for glucocorticoids should be established only by an ophthalmogist.