title: [Ocular allergies].
abstract: Recent developments indicate that ocular allergy is more than an IgE-mediated allergic conjunctivitis. Ocular allergy is a disease affecting the entire ocular surface including conjunctiva, lids, cornea, lacrimal gland and tear film. Besides an IgE-mediated reaction, a complex chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of many ocular allergies. According to their pathogenesis and clinical picture, ocular allergies are classified into mild forms, such as seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis as well as giant papillary conjunctivitis, and chronic, potentially blinding forms such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis. New therapeutics act on the entire inflammatory process or try to modulate the allergic reaction early and specifically. The association with non-ocular allergic symptoms requires an interdisciplinary approach.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Messmer
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents