Immunological mechanisms of allergic eye disease

Abstract

Understanding the pathophysiology of allergic eye disease involves knowledge of the body's immunologic responses. Although these immunologic mechanisms remain, to some extent, elusive, four major types of hypersensitivity reactions have been identified. The classification provides an organized approach to understanding the major mechanisms of the immune response. A review of the components of the immune system and a detailed discussion of the four hypersensitivity reactions will be discussed.