Visual allergy: A review

Abstract

Allergic diseases have greatly increased world-wide with prevalent rate in developing countries which affects the quality of life, education economy and productivity. This review on allergies affecting vision is done with emphasis on etiology, presentation, impact and management. In a survey of the 150 primary school pupils in Owerri urban 130 presented with symptoms and signs of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) with eighty-nine (59.3%) females and 48 (32.0%) males (89%) had AC. Results further showed that the incidence of AC was high during harmattan, 67 (48.9%), 44 (32.1%) pupils had AC all year round, while the least occurrence of AC was during the rainy season, 26 (19.0%). Occurrence of AC was highest in pupils within the age range 9-12, 93 (67.9%); followed by those within the age group 5-8, 25 (18.2%); while occurrence of AC in the age group 13-15 was 19 (13.9%). AC was highest in pupils whose stratified parents were artisan 77 (56.2%); followed by pupils whose parents were professionals, 25 (18.2%). Most of the pupils with AC lived in one room apartment, 25.4%; used kerosene 46.0% and firewood, 12.7% for cooking. Thirty-six percent were of low nutritional status. The afore-mentioned findings agree with observations in a similar study at the Eye Clinic, University College, Ibadan; and in subjects exposed to controlled adverse environmental challenges (CAE) in United States of American. Itching is the hall mark symptom of ocular allergy. Environmental factors such as overcrowding, noxious fumes, under-nutrition and socio-economic status were identified factors in occurrence of AC. Anti-allergy drugs, surgery, and immunotherapy have proven helpful in management of AC. Amongst the primary school pupils, self medication was the major treatment approach; and occurrence of AC reduced school attendance. Public enlightenment on environmental risk factors; and health education to prevent AC being undiagnosed and inappropriately treated with potentially hazardous consequences to vision are recommended.

Key words: Vision, Allergy, Allergen, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Environmental risk factors.