Hyperactivity to hyperosmolar conjunctival challenge is present in patients with both allergic and nonallergic chronic conjunctivitis
Summary
The response to the hyperosmolar conjunctival provocation test was assessed in 63 subjects with ocular symptoms including itching, redness, or tearing. Both allergic and nonallergic subjects with these symptoms were evaluated for conjunctival hyperreactivity to ocular challenge with serial diluted glucose concentrations.
The challenge response was assessed using digital images. Conjunctival challenge was positive in 33 of 38 allergic subjects and 4 of 25 nonallergic subjects.
The authors concluded that hyperosmolar conjunctival challenge identified conjunctival hyperreactivity in both allergic and nonallergic subjects, and that allergic subjects exhibited more hyperreactivity than nonallergic subjects. They also found that conjunctival hyperreactivity was present in allergic subjects who were asymptomatic.
Reference
Mourao EMM, et al. Ocular symptoms in nonspecific conjunctival hyperreactivity. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2011; 107:29-34.