[Noninfectious conjunctivitis].

Abstract

The conjunctiva is a central component of the ocular mucosal system and, together with the Meibomian glands of the eyelids and the lacrimal glands, fulfills nutritive and defensive functions on the ocular surface. The conjunctiva is integrated into a dense neural and immunological network called the "Conjunctiva-associated Lymphoid Tissue" (CALT) 1 2. This network perceives various stimuli and responds in a finely tuned manner to provide protection while minimizing collateral damage. This must be viewed in the context of resident microorganisms ("commensal flora") colonizing the conjunctiva (microbiome), and numerous biophysical factors that can disrupt the homeostasis of the ocular surface. Inflammatory changes are of primary concern and are differentiated according to their origin as either infectious or non-infectious. This CME article provides an overview of non-infectious inflammatory pathologies.