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Updated: May 30, 2026
07:35
A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva
Published on: July 5, 2017
Epidemiology of allergic conjunctivitis.
Nelson Rosario1, Leonard Bielory
1Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Division, Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil. nelson.rosario@ufpr.br
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Allergic conjunctivitis, often overlooked, affects up to 40% of people and significantly impacts quality of life. Further research into ocular allergy prevalence is crucial for better diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Allergology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Allergic conjunctivitis is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- It significantly impacts patients' quality of life and healthcare resource utilization.
- The association between allergic nasal and ocular symptoms (rhinoconjunctivitis) is common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current epidemiological data on allergic conjunctivitis prevalence.
- To highlight the underrecognized burden of ocular allergies.
- To emphasize the need for focused research on conjunctivitis symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of prevalence data for allergic conjunctivitis.
- Examination of symptom severity in rhinoconjunctivitis patients.
Main Results:
- Prevalence estimates for allergic conjunctivitis range from 15-20% in older studies to as high as 40% in recent research.
- Ocular symptoms are prevalent, often co-occurring with allergic rhinitis and impacting quality of life.
- Conjunctivitis symptoms can be as severe as rhinitis symptoms in patients with 'hay fever'.
Conclusions:
- Allergic conjunctivitis warrants greater attention as a comorbidity in atopic patients.
- The term 'conjunctivorhinitis' highlights the significance of ocular symptoms.
- Specific prevalence studies focusing on ocular allergy symptoms are needed.
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