Differential diagnoses of conjunctivitis for clinical allergist-immunologists.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a clinical overview of the types of conjunctivitis that are encountered by practicing clinical allergist-immunologists.


METHODS
Published literature in peer reviewed journals found in the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) database using the keywords ocular allergy and/or allergic conjunctivitis.


METHODS
Studies related to ocular allergy and/or allergic conjunctivitis were selected for inclusion in this review.


RESULTS
Four clinical scenarios are presented that mimic frequently encountered inflammatory disorders that present as red eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
The signs and symptoms associated with the various inflammatory conditions affecting the conjunctiva often overlap and need to be differentiated to maximize care for patients with conjunctivitis.
Bielory
Leonard
L
Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA. Bielory@umdnj.edu
D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D013038:Specialization