From the Guidelines
The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in India is estimated to be around 10-20% of the population, with regional variations due to climate and environmental factors. This condition is more common in urban areas compared to rural regions, with higher rates in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore due to increased air pollution and allergen exposure 1. The condition is often associated with allergic rhinitis, dry eye, and meibomian gland dysfunction, and can have a significant impact on quality of life.
- Key factors contributing to the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in India include:
- Environmental allergens such as grasses, pollens, and dust mites
- Climate factors like low latitude, high mean annual temperature, and low annual outdoor humidity
- Outdoor air pollution secondary to fuel combustion, forest fires, and industrial activities
- Exposure to dogs, cats, and farm animals
- The natural history of allergic conjunctivitis in India is characterized by recurrent episodes, often associated with allergic rhinitis and dry eye, with minimal potential sequelae 1.
- Regional differences in prevalence are observed, with humid coastal areas showing different patterns than drier inland regions, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
- The management of allergic conjunctivitis in India should focus on avoiding allergens, using topical medications, and addressing associated conditions like dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.
From the Research
Prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis in India
- The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in India is not directly mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4.
- However, study 5 mentions that there is a huge burden of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis, in India, which may be associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
- Study 6 reports the prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in Indian children, which is 3.9% in the 6-7 years age group and 10.9% in the 13-14 years age group.
Associated Factors
- Study 6 identifies several factors associated with allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in Indian children, including:
- Passage of trucks near home
- Parental smoking
- Use of paracetamol
- Use of antibiotics
- Cooking with firewood
- Television watching
- Maternal smoking is found to be the strongest associated factor for allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in the 6-7 years age group 6.
Treatment and Management
- Studies 2, 3, 4 discuss the treatment and management of allergic conjunctivitis using topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and dual-action agents.
- These studies suggest that topical antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers are effective in reducing symptoms and signs of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis 3, 4.