[Observatoire des Allergies Oculaires. National epidemiological survey of chronic (perennial) allergic conjunctivitis and/or keratoconjunctivitis seen in ophthalmology].

A second epidemiological ocular allergy survey was carried out by ophthalmologists during the winter of 94/95 in order to define the main characteristics of patients suffering from chronic, perennial allergic conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis. From the data collected from a wide sample of 791 patients, we were able to describe the main symptoms and lesions related to chronic ocular allergy, its evolution and the allergens involved. Allergic symptoms (conjunctival redness, foreign body sensation, itching) are reported in 98.5% of patients. Non specific symptoms (burning, photophobia, blurred vision, ocular dryness) are reported in 3 patients out of 4. 40% of patients have perennial manifestations without any seasonal exacerbation while 1 patient in 2 suffers from a seasonal worsening. In 80% of the cases, the responsible allergens are domestic (house dust, miles), 60% of patients are affected by at least 2 allergens. Ophthalmic examination shows lesions of the tarsal conjunctiva (papillas, follicles) in 94% of the cases and corneal lesions in practically 50% of the patients. This epidemiological survey shows the necessity of having a rigourous clinical approach which includes a complete ophthalmological examination which is the only thorough means of assessing the allergic lesions and proposing the most suitable treatment for day to day ophthalmic practice.