Dr.DURGA SAHU

Dr. JAYASHREE DORA, Dr.Sharmistha Behera

Abstract

AIM: To study prevalence & ocular manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis & associated comorbidities among school going children in Western Odisha. METHODS: A total of 1502 children participated in this hospital based cross sectional study. Study duration : September 2018 to August 2019. All children underwent meticulous history taking for symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, visual assessment and slit lamp examination to look for signs & associated complications. RESULTS: Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was 29.16%. Males to female ratio- 1:1.35 Commonest presenting symptom is itching(100%), Papillae-the most frequent sign(97.71%), SAC is commonest type of AC with a prevalence of 59.36%. Allergic rhinitis- commonest comorbidities(17.8%) CONCLUSION: Prevalence of Allergic conjunctivitis is high amongst children between 5-15yrs. Early identification & treatment would help curb complications, hence improve community ophthalmic health.