Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Practice Pattern Survey From North India

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this survey was to establish the prevalence of AC and to know the practice pattern of managing ocular allergy in north India. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study done in the states of north India, involving registered practicing ophthalmologists (RP). The survey was conducted in the month of May 2019. 14 fourteen survey questionnaire prepared on significant clinical situations related to ocular allergy was sent via goggle form to 300 Ophthalmologists of north India. The response was recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The survey was participated by 232 RP (77.33%) out of 300 whom the questionnaire was sent. The results analysis involved epidemiological, treatment and complication pattern. CONCLUSION:AC patients form a significant proportion of our clinical patients specially in summer season. The chronic nature of this disease specially VKC needs a judicious use of different pharmacological agents considering their adverse effects. Newer molecules like Alcaftadine, Bepotastine and various Immunomodulators need further study by randomized clinical trials for their relative efficacy as survey are not sufficient to give us a clear indication towards rationalized use.