Ocular allergic disorders: disease entities and differential diagnoses.

Ocular allergic disorders are common but often misdiagnosed and not adequately treated. Patients with these conditions may present to a variety of professionals-pharmacists, general practitioners, allergists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists. This article describes the spectrum of disorders classified as ocular allergy and outlines pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the various disorders. This forms the basis for a rational approach to management strategies.