COMMON PHYSIO-PATHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS AND ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Patients suffering from allergic conditions often also complain of ophthalmological symptoms. There are many anatomic connections between allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis. In addition to the physical connections existing within the nasolacrimal duct, the most important systems involved in pathological processes are innervation, circulation, and the lymphatic and neurogenic systems. A significant number of neurogenic compounds have been identified in the respiratory tract, nasal mucosa and ocular surface. The thorough understanding of the connection between nasal mucosa and ocular surface may influence the therapeutic approach and may improve the patients’ quality of life.