Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

07:35
A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva
Published on: July 5, 2017
Allergic conjunctivitis.
Leonard Bielory1, Mitchell H Friedlaender
1Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 90 Bergen Street, DOC Suite 4700, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
|February 20, 2008
Summary
Allergic conjunctivitis, an eye allergy, is common during allergy season. Diagnosis involves allergy testing, with treatments including antihistamines and corticosteroids, especially modified versions for better safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Allergy Immunology
Background:
- Allergic conjunctivitis is a prevalent condition, particularly during peak allergy seasons.
- Ocular allergy diagnosis can be confirmed through skin tests or in vitro tests conducted by an allergist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic methods and treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis.
- To highlight the efficacy and safety profiles of various therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnostic tests for ocular allergy.
- Analysis of treatment efficacy and side effect profiles for allergic conjunctivitis medications.
Main Results:
- Antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and NSAIDs offer safe and effective initial treatment.
- Corticosteroids are more potent but require ophthalmologist monitoring due to side effects.
- Modified corticosteroids present a favorable option, balancing potency with reduced side effects.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis is achievable with specific allergy testing.
- A range of treatments are available, with careful consideration of potency and side effects.
- Advancements in corticosteroid therapy offer improved safety for managing ocular allergy.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
Allergic Reactions
Overview
Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...

