Atopic ocular disease.

Atopic ocular diseases involve a spectrum of immuno-inflammatory responses. There are minimal pathologic changes with SAC. With PAC, there is increased mast cell activation and late-phase inflammatory cell infiltrate as a consequence of continued allergic stimulation. Associated with the more chronic and severe forms of atopic ocular disorders, GPC, VKC and AKC, there is persistent mast cell, eosinophil, and lymphocyte activation resulting in pathologic changes. Therapeutic intervention for atopic ocular diseases has focused on symptomatic improvement. However, with an increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the allergic inflammatory response, experimental studies may facilitate the development of preventative strategies.