[Clinical picture, diagnosis and therapy of allergic eye diseases].

Ocular allergic disorders can be a component of systemic or local allergies. The importance of ocular allergy results from its incidence rather than from its severity, however, some of them are vision-threatening. The majority of ocular allergies affect the conjunctiva, eyelids and sometimes cornea that is exposed to the environment and is the place of interaction between allergens and immunocompetent cells. Different types of allergic disorders in the eye may have similar signs and symptoms, but each has its own pathognomonic characteristics, which help to diagnose, differentiate and choose the most suitable therapy. Ocular allergic diseases are classified into six categories: SAC, PAC, VKC, AKC, GPC and ConBC. In 2001 EAACI suggested new classification, also of allergic conjunctivitis, into IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated conjunctivitis. IgE-mediated conjunctivitis may be divided into intermittent and persistent conjunctivitis. Persistent allergic conjunctivitis is classified into vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis contact allergy is a non-IgE form of allergic conjunctivitis. Currently available medications provide safe and effective management of most cases of ocular allergy. Drugs used in the treatment of ocular allergic disorders include mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, steroids, NSAID's, artificial tears and others.