New frontiers in allergy research: new research holds promise for patients suffering from ocular allergy. The focus: dryness, blocking the response and countering inflammation.(Allergy)

Publication: Review of Optometry

Publication Date: 15-MAR-04

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Nearly 20% of the U.S. population (approximately 50 million Americans) suffer from some form of allergy, so it's not surprising that research continues to focus on treatment options for these individuals.

Dry Eye Contributes To Allergic Response

Patients' natural tear production can help eradicate the allergic response. Tears act as a barrier, improving the eye's first line of defense. They dilute and ultimately flush the allergens and mediators from the eye. New evidence shows that tears, or the lack of tears as seen in dry eye syndrome (DES), may contribute to the propagation of the allergic response.

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Approximately 15% of people past age 65, and 10% of people past age 30, suffer from DES. And, the majority of patients with baseline chronic dry eye conditions are women. For these patients, symptoms are often exacerbated by attendant factors in the premenopausal and early menopausal stages of life. (1)

One study confirmed this association by outlining the cycle of tear production associated with corneal surface neural feedback. (2) Researchers established that when the ocular surface is dry, a neurosensory mechanism activates signals. These signals, in turn, stimulate the lacrimal gland and accessory lacrimal systems to secrete tears.

Persistent ocular surface inflammation may disrupt this feedback loop. Factors that interfere with this feedback system may trigger a vicious cycle of progressive dryness and inflammation.

Artificial tears should be used in concert with any topical anti-allergy...

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