Conjunctival Infection and Atopic Allergy.

van Bijsterveld, O P

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 1989;30(3):327-330.
Published online March 1, 1989.

Conjunctival Infection and Atopic Allergy.

O P van Bijsterveld

The Royal Dutch Eye Clinic, F.C. Dondersstraat 65, 3572 JE Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Conjunctival Infection and Atopic Allergy

(O. P. Van Bijsterveld)

Abstract

Chronic atopic conjunctivitis is essentially a perennial inflammatory reaction. There are a number of ways, both immunological and non-immunological, in which micro-organisms can cause degranulation of the mast cells which leads to an exacerbation of the atopic reaction. As in such cases often only a small number of bacteria are isolated, their potential pathogenic role in such exacerbations can easily be overlooked. Therefore, in cases of an unexplained inreased inflammatory reaction in chronic atopic conjunctivitis, it is advisable to institute a short term antibiotic regimen, preferable with a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Gentamicin.