Ocular involvement in atopic disease: a review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a review of the potential sight-threatening sequelae associated with ocular involvement of atopic disease and to discuss the management of this chronic condition.

RECENT FINDINGS: There has been a recognition that atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a chronic, inflammatory and potentially blinding disease. Recent efforts have focused on steroid sparing, systemic T cell and calcineurin inhibitor medications for the treatment of severe disease.

SUMMARY: Ocular involvement in atopic disease can have a variety of clinical manifestations. Progressive disease can be vision threatening, especially in younger patients. Prompt and effective treatment through a multidisciplinary approach, including ophthalmology, allergy and immunology and dermatology, can permit stability of the disease.