Allergic Conjunctivitis in Children

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common condition affecting both children and adults and that can significantly affect quality of life. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology’s Ocular Allergy group has revised the classification of allergic conjunctivitis to differentiate between two types of ocular surface hypersensitivity disorders: ocular allergy and ocular non-allergic hypersensitivity. The former can be IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated and includes seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. The latter is classified as non-allergic and includes various conditions like giant papillary conjunctivitis and irritative conjunctivitis. The diagnosis of AC is mainly clinical, with the presence of tearing, itching, redness and oedema indicating the condition. A slit-lamp examination is recommended to rule out corneal involvement and other types of conjunctivitis. Allergy tests, such as skin prick tests and serum-specific IgE determination, can help identify potential triggering agents. Environmental prevention is fundamental in reducing exposure to these agents. Non-specific treatments, such as cold compress and lacrimal substitutes, can alleviate symptoms, while drug therapy targets different phases of the allergic reaction.