Allergic conjunctivitis: Treatment updates and long-term monitoring

Authors

  • Clara C. Chan, MD, FRCSC, FACS Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto
  • Caberry Yu, MD Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cait.2023.3357

Abstract

Allergic conjunctival diseases have a significant impact on the ocular surface, affecting the conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelids. Estimates indicate that approximately 35% of North Americans are affected by these diseases. Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis are the most common and mildest forms of ocular allergic disease, affecting 15–20% of the population. More severe conditions of ocular allergenic diseases include atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). This article will review allergic conjunctivitis classifications, ocular sequelae, and a simplified treatment algorithm.

Author Biographies

Clara C. Chan, MD, FRCSC, FACS, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto

Dr. Clara C. Chan is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto and the President of the Canadian Cornea Society. She teaches fellows as part of the Cornea fellowship program and is the Medical Director of the Eye Bank of Canada, Ontario Division. After her undergraduate studies at Stanford University, she completed medical school at Queen’s University, ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto, and her cornea fellowship at the Cincinnati Eye Institute with Dr. Edward Holland. Dr. Chan has published more than 140 peer-reviewed papers, received the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award in 2015, is a Cornea Section Editor for the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, and the Founding Editor of the journal, Canadian Eye Care Today. Most recently, Dr. Chan was included in The 2023 Ophthalmologist Power List, recognizing the top 100 most influential global figures in ophthalmology.

Caberry Yu, MD, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario

Dr. Caberry Yu is an Ophthalmology resident at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. She completed her medical degree from Queen’s University, where she was part of the Global Health Academic Enrichment Program. She is passionate about health for older adults and is a Junior Research Fellow at the National Institute on Ageing. Her research interests in ophthalmology include health equity and patient-reported outcome measures.

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Published

2023-12-13

How to Cite

1.
Chan CC, Yu C. Allergic conjunctivitis: Treatment updates and long-term monitoring. Can Allergy Immunol Today [Internet]. 2023 Dec. 13 [cited 2024 Oct. 18];3(3):9–16. Available from: https://canadianallergyandimmunologytoday.com/article/view/3-3-chan_yu

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