CLINICAL AND OPHTHALMOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS IN MILITARY PERSONNEL
Keywords:
allergic conjunctivitis; military personnel; biomicroscopy; clinical forms; ophthalmologyAbstract
Abstract. Objective. To investigate the clinical features of the course of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) in military personnel by assessing the frequency of subjective symptoms, biomicroscopic signs, and the distribution of clinical forms of the disease. Materials and Methods. A total of 88 military personnel with a clinically confirmed diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis were examined. The total number of eyes included in the analysis was 172. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmological assessment, including evaluation of subjective complaints, slit‑lamp biomicroscopy, measurement of visual acuity, Schirmer test, assessment of tear‑film stability (BUT), and classification of the clinical form of AC. Results. The most common complaints were itching (100%), tearing (86,4%), and foreign‑body sensation (65,9%). The predominant clinical form was seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (54,7%), followed by persistent (29,1%) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (8,1%). The most frequent biomicroscopic findings included conjunctival hyperemia (91,9%), follicles (65,1%), and papillae (50,6%). Chemosis, tear‑film instability, and corneal changes were also documented in a significant proportion of patients. Service‑related conditions—such as dust exposure, confined spaces, and irregular access to medical care—contribute to the aggravation and chronicity of the disease course. Conclusion. Allergic conjunctivitis in military personnel is characterized by pronounced clinical manifestations and often a prolonged course, requiring a tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approach within the military healthcare system.
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