Ocular surface disorders: office procedures for the allergist/clinical immunologist.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Ocular surface disorders (OSDs) are a prevalent and often debilitating condition encountered in clinical practice, particularly by allergists and clinical immunologists.

Recent findings: A comprehensive guide to office procedures for evaluating and managing OSDs, with a specific focus on ocular allergies, would assist in the evaluation process that begins with an initial patient assessment utilizing standardized forms to systematically gather detailed medical history, symptomatology, and environmental exposure data. This structured approach ensures a thorough understanding of the patient's condition and facilitates targeted interventions. In addition to allergy testing, the assessment of the tear film is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of OSDs. The Schirmer test is employed to quantify tear production, providing objective data on tear film adequacy and guiding interventions for tear film deficiencies.

Summary: This multifaceted diagnostic approach ensures that all contributing factors to OSDs are identified and appropriately managed. By integrating these office procedures, allergists and clinical immunologists can enhance their diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This manuscript provides a practical resource, outlining some of the methodologies and clinical applications of each procedure, and highlighting their role in the holistic management of OSDs in allergic patients.