A Guide to Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing

Book excerpt: Ocular allergy is the most frequently diagnosed immune disorder of the eye. This book examines the immunologic reactions of ocular allergy in comparison to allergic skin diseases, reviews recent advances in the pathophysiology of ocular allergy and summarizes current clinical knowledge and treatment strategies. Key Points - Explains the epidemiology of ocular allergy, the role of the environment in allergy, and the clinical manifestation of dermal and ocular allergic disorders. - In-depth coverage of vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, seasonal conjunctivitis, urticaria, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hypersensitivity vasculitis, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. - Thoroughly explains the immune cells involved in allergic reactions, including detailed chapters on basophils, mast cells, and B-cells. In addition, the allergic immune response in the asthmatic lung is covered. - Up-to-date coverage of treatment strategies for ocular allergy: mast cell stabilizing drugs, antihistamines, systemic immune therapy and immunomodulatory strategies.