International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Background: Conjuctivits is the inflammation of the conjunctiva and if the cause is allergy, it is known as allergic conjunctivitis. The present study was conducted to report the cases of allergic conjunctivitis in study population.

Materials & Methods: It included 580 school children of both genders. All underwent vision assessment by a refractionist and a slit lamp examination by an ophthalmologist. Allergic conjunctivitis was confirmed by the presence of papillae in the upper tarsal conjunctiva, redness of the eyes, and presence of itching and burning. All signs and symptoms were recorded.

Results: Out of 580 patients, boys were 310 and girls were 270. The difference was non-significant (P-0.1). Age group 5-10 years had 105 boys and 90 girls, 10-15 years had 130 boys and 110 girls and 15-20 years had 75 boys and 70 girls. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Itching was seen in 305 boys and 268 girls, redness in 286 boys and 251 girls, discharge in 166 boys and 132 girls, watering in 302 boys and 252 girls and papillae in 294 boys and 262 girls. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). The common type was seasonal AC (325) followed by perennial AC (180), atopic AC (25) and vernal keratoconjuctivitis (15). The difference was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: It is a common eye disease. The most common etiology is allergic reaction due to allergens. Common symptoms are redness and itching. Boys had higher prevalence than girls.