Epidemiological aspects of allergic conjunctivitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Allergology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Ocular allergies, particularly rhinoconjunctivitis, show increasing global prevalence.
• Geographical variations in prevalence exist, with specific regions like Africa, Latin America, and Japan identified as hotspots.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review regional differences and characteristics of allergic conjunctivitis.
• To explore contributing factors to the prevalence and severity of ocular allergies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC).
• Review of follow-up studies on regional differences and characteristics of allergic conjunctivitis.
• Examination of mechanistic aspects through birth cohort and in vitro analyses.

Main Results:

• Rhinitis is significantly associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, a severe form, is prevalent in African countries and Japan.
• Air pollution is implicated in symptom exacerbation and increased incidence of severe ocular allergies.

Conclusions:

• Comorbid diseases, socioeconomic, and environmental factors influence regional allergic conjunctivitis prevalence.
• Air pollution plays a role in the incidence and severity of ocular allergies, especially vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for managing ocular allergy burdens.