Giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

Despite shorter replacement intervals and new lens materials, giant papillary conjunctivitis still limits the ability of some patients to wear contact lenses.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Recent research has elucidated many new mediators of inflammation. The presence of chemokines and cytokines such as IL-8, IL-6, IL-11, macrophage inflammatory protein-delta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 macrophage-colony stimulating factor and monokine-induced gamma interferon, eotaxin, pulmonary and activation-regulated CC chemokines have been shown to be elevated in patients with giant papillary conjunctivitis. In addition, M cells and B lymphocytes have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of giant papillary conjunctivitis.

SUMMARY:

The pathophysiology of giant papillary conjunctivitis is complicated with both immune and mechanical mechanisms playing a role in the development of this condition; understanding these mechanisms is important in both treatment and prevention of giant papillary conjunctivitis.

• Authors: William H Elhers, Peter C Donshik
• Journal: Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology (Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol) Vol. 8 Issue 5 Pg. 445-9 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 1473-6322 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18769199 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Animals
• Conjunctiva (pathology)
• Conjunctivitis, Allergic (immunology, pathology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Contact Lenses (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Inflammation (immunology, pathology, physiopathology, therapy)