The various forms of eye allergy in children and adolescents

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) in children and adolescents is usually mild. It generally presents as acute and seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis, with diagnosis being based on functional symptoms dominated by pruritus. Objective allergenic assessment often involves sensitisation to the pollens responsible for seasonal forms or to other pulmonary allergens responsible for recurrent forms. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis is more difficult to manage because it associates nonspecific signs of conjunctival hyperreactivity with the symptoms of benign AC. A positive allergy test often leads to allergen immunotherapy. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is less frequent but much more severe. It significantly impairs quality of life and can lead to visual sequelae. Its treatment calls for close collaboration between the ophthalmologist and the allergist. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.