Allergic conjunctivitis natural history, complications and prognosis

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually a non-progressive condition with a favorable prognosis, and rare but serious complications. Most symptoms are self-limiting, while in some subtypes, a temporal association can be found with the age group and specific triggers. Complications include infections, scarring and can also damage the cornea and eyelids. Long-term prognosis is influenced by the recurrence of the attacks and side-effects of treatment.

Symptoms are often neglected, and resolve in many patients without medical care.

Complete resolution without the return of symptoms after adolescence is observed in a majority of patients.

Uncommon before adolescence and peaks from 30 to 50 years of age. Most cases coexist with atopic dermatitis.

• A temporal relationship with contact lens use may explain the predominance of this variety in teens and young adults.
• It manifests usually after one to two years of wearing soft contact lenses but varies widely with other ocular foreign bodies^[1].

In most cases, allergic conjunctivitis is a benign condition. Complications although rare,can be serious and include:

• Scarring of the eye in severe cases.
• Progression to infective conjunctivitis, leading to serious secondary infections.
• Corneal opacification and ulceration in VKC and [[AKC]^[2]]
• Difficulty in wearing contact lenses due to significant eyelid involvement^[2]

• PAC and SAC demonstrate favorable long-term outcomes but, significant eye discomfort and poor ocular cosmesis may persist as long-term sequelae in many people.
• Recurrences result in conjunctivochalasis, which is a result of ongoing limba conjunctival chemosis.
• The medications may cause adverse reactions like cataracts.

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