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Dry Eye Syndrome and Allergic Conjunctivitis in the Pediatric Population
Handan Akil1, Fatih Celik2, Fatih Ulas3
1Ophtalmology Clinic, Gorele State Hospital, Giresun, Turkey.
Insights
This study found that 12% of children with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) also had dry eye syndrome (DES). Symptoms of AC correlated with reduced tear film quality, highlighting the need for DES evaluation in these pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Allergy
- Corneal Health
Background:
- Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is common in children.
- Dry eye syndrome (DES) can affect ocular comfort and vision.
- The relationship between AC and DES in pediatric populations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the comorbidity of dry eye syndrome (DES) in children diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis (AC).
- To assess potential changes in corneal curvature associated with DES in this pediatric cohort.
- To evaluate ocular surface parameters in children with and without AC.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, comparative study of 49 children (25 with AC, 24 controls).
- Evaluated tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, tear meniscus height (TMH-R), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
- Assessed keratometry (K1, K2) and spherical equivalent (SE) for corneal curvature changes.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES) was 12% in children with allergic conjunctivitis (AC).
- Tear film break-up time (BUT) was significantly lower in the AC group (P = 0.004).
- Papillary reaction severity showed significant negative correlations with Schirmer test, BUT, and TMH-R.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) have a notable prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES).
- Ocular surface parameters, particularly tear film stability, are affected in children with AC.
- Further attention to diagnosing DES is crucial for comprehensive care in pediatric AC patients.
Purpose:
To assess the comorbidity of dry eye syndrome (DES) and changes in corneal curvature in children with allergies.
Materials And Methods:
This prospective, comparative, and observational interventional study included 49 patients, who presented to the Ophthalmology Clinic of a State Hospital in Turkey. There were 25 patients with clinically diagnosed seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (AC) (with complaints of itching and papilla formation of conjunctiva; AC group) and 24 healthy children (control group). There with no significant differences in age between groups. Using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, we performed tear film break-up time (BUT), central reflex tear meniscus height (TMH-R) measurement, Schirmer test on both groups and evaluated keratometry (K1, K2) and spherical equivalent (SE).
Results:
Patients ranged in age from 6 to 18 years (median age, 11.79 years; 46.9% male; 53.1% female). The papillary reaction was severe in 10% of patients with AC. The prevalence of dry eye in children with AC was 12%. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for K1, K2, and SE (P > 0.05, all comparisons). BUT was statistically different (P = 0.004) between groups, indicating that a higher OSDI the tear film BUT was lower (ρ = 0.567). Statistically, significant negative moderate correlations were found between papillary reaction and the Schirmer test, BUT, and TMH-R (ρ = 0.454, -0.412, -0.419, and P = 0.001, 0.003, 0.002, respectively).
Conclusions:
The evaluation of pediatric patients with AC requires further attention to ensure an adequate diagnosis of DES.
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