Developments in ocular allergy.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this article is to evaluate developments in the knowledge of inflammatory mechanisms and treatments of ocular allergy.


RESULTS
Research developments in ocular allergy summarized in this article include the following findings: (1) ocular epithelial cells play a role in inflammation; (2) respiratory syncytial virus is a pathogen in allergic conjunctivitis; (3) transglutaminase inhibitors reverse allergic related inflammation; (4) eosinophils and neutrophils both play a role in ocular allergy; (5) eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2 play a role in eosinophilic recruitment; and (6) loteprednol etabonate, desonide phosphate, and cyclosporine have been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of ocular allergy.


CONCLUSIONS
This article summarizes the research conducted for each of the above recent findings and outlines their clinical applications.
Chambless
Shayla L
SL
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA.
Trocme
Stefan
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents