Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate ocular allergic reactions and treatment objectively and subjectively. Methods: Ten allergic subjects were evaluated before and five minutes after conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC), for injection, lid swelling, chemosis, ocular surface sensation, and itching. Conjunctival injection was determined subjectively by observation, and objectively, by colorimetry. Lid swelling was measured using a millimeter reticle in a slit lamp eye piece. Chemosis was measured by observation. Ocular surface sensation was determined by aesthesiometry, and itching was determined subjectively by the patient. Results: Objective measurements of conjunctival injection and lid swelling increased significantly after CAC (p=.01, p<0.001 respectively). Subjective measurements of conjunctival injection, chemosis and itching also increased significantly after CAC (p<0.001). Ocular surface sensation decreased after CAC, but the change was not statistically significant. After treatment with a vasoconstrictor–antihistamine eyedrop, a significant decrease in conjunctival injection could be measured objectively with colorimetry (p=0.005). Conclusions:Ocular allergic reactions and the effects of antiallergic treatment can be measured objectively as well as subjectively.
Keywords: conjunctivitis • inflammation • ocular irritancy/toxicity testing