Learn more about Diagnosing Allergic Conjunctivitis with Dr. Elise Kramer

Hello! Welcome to Woo’s Wisdom.

In our recent webinar titled, “Diagnosing Allergic Conjunctivitis”. Dr. Elise Kramer reviewed how to definitively diagnose different types of allergic conjunctivitis and how to differentiate allergic conjunctivitis from other ocular surface conditions.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects 20% of our population, yet only 10% seek medical treatment. We know that it can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life with symptoms of itching, redness, and swelling. In fact, in severe cases, the ocular surface can be damaged and vision changes can occur.

Allergic conjunctivitis is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many patients with allergic conjunctivitis are misdiagnosed with dry eye and vice versa.

Ways to differentiate allergic conjunctivitis from dry eye is to test tear osmolarity, stain with vital dyes, and perform tear production tests, such as Schirmer’s test. One of Dr. Kramer’s tips was to remember that often, allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye go hand in hand.

She reviewed different types of allergic conjunctivitis, such as VKC, GPC, AKC, and contact dermatitis. This was a great review on what specific signs to look for to differentiate these allergy responses.

She wrapped up the webinar answers a lot of great questions from the audience.

If you were not able to make it, check out Dr. Kramer’s presentation under Past Events on WooU.org!