Tear Film Osmolarity in Subjects with Acute Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Abstract. Background/Aim: Acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis is the most common form of ocular allergies. The pathogenetic mechanisms are based on an immunoglobulin E (IgEAcute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis is the most common form of ocular allergies, affecting at least 15-20% of the population. It is divided into seasonal (hay fever), which is released by pollen in the spring and summer, and perennial, which appears throughout the year and is induced by dust mites, animal dander and mold allergens (1, 2). The pathogenetic mechanisms of acute allergic conjunctivitis are based on an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, where IgE binds initially to highaffinity receptors on mast cells and basophils and then to the aforementioned allergens. The subsequent activation of mast cells results in the release of inflammatory mediators, including histamine, tryptase, prostaglandins, chemokines and leukotrienes (1). Monocytes, eosinophils and platelets also afford low-affinity IgE receptors (2). Subjects experience acute episodes of redness, tearing, ocular and nasal itching, sneezing, congestion and rhinorrhoea. Slit lamp examination usually reveals bilateral eyelid edema along with conjunctival swelling, chemosis and papillary reaction (1, 2). 403

Dry Eye and Dry Nose Caused by the Effect of Allergic Rhinitis on Tear and Nasal Secretion Osmolarity

“…This suggests that allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections have only a local inflammatory effect. 11 -13…”

“…A skin reaction with an induration of 3 mm or more was accepted as positive. 11 Fourteen common allergens ( Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , Dermatophagoides farina , cockroach, trees mix, grasses mix, pine, cat feather, nuts, Penicillium mix, Cladosporium , cacao, egg, wheat, and Alterina) plus a negative and a positive control were applied to the skin of the forearm with two 8-headed applicators.…”

“…The tear osmolarity lower limit for light dry eyes was 305 mOsm/L, and the lower limit for tear osmolarity for severe dry eye eyes was 316 mOsm/L. 7,11 All measurements were performed by the same researcher.…”

“…This suggests that allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections have only a local inflammatory effect. [11][12][13] The nasal ocular reflex creates the interaction between the nose and the eye. In order to support this reflex, it has been shown that the use of a nasal spray is beneficial for ocular symptoms of allergy after the eyes have been irrigated and after unilateral irritation of the nasal mucosa and also that dry eye symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients are significantly improved by nasal steroid therapy.…”

“…In order to support this reflex, it has been shown that the use of a nasal spray is beneficial for ocular symptoms of allergy after the eyes have been irrigated and after unilateral irritation of the nasal mucosa and also that dry eye symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients are significantly improved by nasal steroid therapy. [11][12][13] Lemp et al reported that tear osmolarity showed 73% sensitivity and 92% specificity for dry eye syndrome. 12 Tear hyperosmolarity is caused by inflammatory factors that constitute the dry eye and is positively correlated with the severity of the disease.…”