Asia Pac Allergy.  2017 Apr;7(2):57-64. 10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.2.57.

Allergic conjunctivitis in Asia

• Thong BY

• KMID: 2396926
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.2.57

Abstract

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC), which may be acute or chronic, is associated with rhinitis in 30%-70% of affected individuals, hence the term allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR/C). Seasonal and perennial AC is generally milder than the more chronic and persistent atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Natural allergens like house dust mites (HDM), temperate and subtropical grass and tree pollen are important triggers that drive allergic inflammation in AC in the Asia-Pacific region. Climate change, environmental tobacco smoke, pollutants derived from fuel combustion, Asian dust storms originating from central/north Asia and phthalates may also exacerbate AR/C. The Allergies in Asia Pacific study and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood provide epidemiological data on regional differences in AR/C within the region. AC significantly impacts the quality of life of both children and adults, and these can be measured by validated quality of life questionnaires on AR/C. Management guidelines for AC involve a stepped approach depending on the severity of disease, similar to that for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are effective in certain types of persistent AC, and sublingual immunotherapy is emerging as an effective treatment option in AR/C to grass pollen and HDM. Translational research predominantly from Japan and Korea involving animal models are important for the potential development of targeted pharmacotherapies for AC.

Keyword

Allergens; Allergen immunotherapy; Epidemiology; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Adult
Allergens
Asia*
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Asthma
Calcineurin Inhibitors
Child
Climate Change
Conjunctivitis, Allergic*
Desensitization, Immunologic
Drug Therapy
Dust
Epidemiology
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Inflammation
Japan
Korea
Models, Animal
Poaceae
Pollen
Pyroglyphidae
Quality of Life
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Seasons
Smoke
Sublingual Immunotherapy
Tobacco
Translational Medical Research
Trees
Allergens
Calcineurin Inhibitors
Dust
Smoke

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