Allergic conjunctivitis epidemiology and demographics

Allergic conjunctivitis exhibits distinct epidemiological and demographic characteristics based on the populations studied and the presence of comorbid conditions. Females are more affected and children often have other co-existent allergic diseases. Intermittent episodes are common, with the chronic forms more encountered in clinical practice.

• A prevalence of 15-20% is seen in studies performed on older population, but more recent studies estimate rates as high as 40%^[1].
• The age-sex adjusted prevalence was as high as 70.5% in a study conducted in Saudi Arabia, which did not show any variation of risk of the disease with age group. However, females were affected more frequently than males^[2].
• Most children with allergic conjunctivitis also suffer from allergic rhinitis. Ocular allergies may even supersede the primary complaints of nasal congestion^[1].
• Although seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the most frequent form, the chronic forms, such as vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, are the ones more commonly encountered by ophthalmologists^[3].
• Most of the patients with allergic conjunctivitis suffer few mild ,intermittent episodes on an annual basis. However, 30% of patients experience intense and persistent symptoms^[3].
• Treatment is frequently inappropriate^[3].