Developments in ocular allergy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this article is to evaluate developments in the knowledge of inflammatory mechanisms and treatments of ocular allergy.

RECENT FINDINGS: Research developments in ocular allergy summarized in this article include the following findings: (1) ocular epithelial cells play a role in inflammation; (2) respiratory syncytial virus is a pathogen in allergic conjunctivitis; (3) transglutaminase inhibitors reverse allergic related inflammation; (4) eosinophils and neutrophils both play a role in ocular allergy; (5) eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2 play a role in eosinophilic recruitment; and (6) loteprednol etabonate, desonide phosphate, and cyclosporine have been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of ocular allergy.

SUMMARY: This article summarizes the research conducted for each of the above recent findings and outlines their clinical applications.