Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis induced by Japanese pear pollen.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ocular findings in patients with Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) pollinosis.


METHODS
Twenty-two farmers working on artificial pollination in Japanese pear orchards were examined for ocular itching, conjunctival conditions, presence of eosinophils in the conjunctival specimen, and nasal symptoms. Serum IgE antibody to Japanese pear pollen was determined in 16 farmers.


RESULTS
Of the 22 subjects, 3 (Nos. 3, 4, and 13) exhibited ocular itching, conjunctival hyperemia, eosinophils in the conjunctival specimen, and positive serum IgE antibodies to Japanese pear pollen. In these patients, the conjunctivitis disappeared after treatment with topical cromoglycate.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrated that seasonal allergic conjunctivitis may be induced by Japanese pear pollen (entomophilous flower pollen).
Department of Ophthalmology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
S
S
Yanagisawa
Y
Y
Nagaki
S
S
Hiraki
C
C
Kadoi
S
S
Hayasaka
H
H
Teranishi
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011058:Pollen / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D014197:Trees
D000906:Antibodies; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium