Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the sensitization to aeroallergens in allergic conjunctivitis in Pakistani population.
Methodology: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in the Ophthalmology Department, Federal General Hospital and Allergy center, Islamabad. We enrolled 236 patients of allergic conjunctivitis which were diagnosed clinically based on a thorough history and detailed ophthalmic examination. Allergic conjunctivitis was categorized into vernal, perennial, seasonal and atopic types. All patients underwent a skin prick test.
Results: Mean age of participants was 25.05±12.87 years and 63.1% were females. Vernal conjunctivitis (VKC) was the most prevalent type, present in 45.3% patients. Skin prick test (SPT) was positive in the majority of the patients (78.4%). No significant association was found between sensitivity status of SPT versus categories (types) of allergic conjunctivitis (p=0.658). Most common aeroallergen was dust followed by pollen. We found that 61.5% had sensitization to more than one allergen. Allergen sensitization was not associated with different types of allergic conjunctivitis (p=0.689). SPT was positive more in females (p=0.0.15) and more in patients less than 40 years of age (p=0.018).
Conclusion: Although majority of our patients had positive results to aeroallergen skin prick test, and sensitivity to more than one allergen, no significant association was established between various types of allergic conjunctivitis and specific aeroallergens.

Key words: Allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, allergens, hypersensitivity.