title: Hypersensitivity responses and contact lens wear.
abstract: Hypersensitivity diseases that involve the eye are common reasons why patients present to eyecare practitioners. Common ocular hypersensitivity disorders include allergic conjunctivitis, giant or contact lens induced papillary conjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. The diagnosis and management of ocular hypersensitivity can present a challenge to eyecare practitioners and an understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the signs and symptoms of such conditions is necessary for their appropriate management. This article reviews the mechanisms by which the eye responds to antigenic challenges, the pathogenesis of ocular hypersensitivity responses, particularly in relation to contact lens wear, and illustrates possible management strategies.
authors.affiliation: Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit, School of Optometry and Vision Science and Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia. f.stapleton@crcert.unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stapleton
authors.forename: Serina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stretton
authors.forename: Padmaja R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Sankaridurg
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chandoha
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shovlin