Ocular XXXX : implications for the clinical immunologist.

@entity1 @entity32 @entity2194 @entity558 @entity9849 @entity566 @entity56 @entity112 @entity5902
BACKGROUND: @entity2194 are the most common conditions affecting the external ocular adnexa. The most common forms are primarily IgE-mediated and share features in common with other @entity558 . Mast cell activation and release of mediators, particularly @entity112 , are central to the pathogenesis of seasonal and @entity56 . These conditions are self-limited without the occurrence of ocular surface damage. In contrast, @entity5902 and @entity9849 are complex diseases, involving both early- and late-phase allergic responses. They are characterized by severe chronic @entity32 with T cell infiltration in the conjunctiva and may be sight-threatening. OBJECTIVES: To provide a brief overview of the @entity56 and summarize the current knowledge of immunopathogenetic mechanisms involved in initiating and driving these conditions. DATA SOURCES: English-language articles were sought from a MEDLINE search from 1995. This yielded a number of scientific and review papers exploring recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the @entity56 . CONCLUSIONS: Recent advances in knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in @entity566 have led to a better understanding of treatment options and to the development of new treatment modalities, resulting in improved control of symptoms for @entity1 .
