Epidemiological Profile and Pharmacological Management of Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Study in Ghana

Abstract

The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis has gained the dimension to be recognized as a public health problem in Africa. Aim: This study therefore sought to determine the epidemiological profile and other associated ocular surface disorders of patients with allergic conjunctivitis, and its pharmacological management in Ghana. Methodology: A retrospective cross sectional study, involving 1718 patients diagnosed of this atopic disease, in two prominent referral eye care centers in Ghana was conducted. Associations between variables were determined using Fisher Exact Chi-Square (χ2), Relative Risk, and Binary Logistical Regression. Results: The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was 9.1% with females constituting 61.8%. The mean age ± SD of the study population was 21.92±18.29 years. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was more prevalent (P<0.001) in males and children (mean age ± SD: 6.24 ± 5.6 years). Topical steroids (69.7%) and systemic antihistamines (48.8%) were the most commonly prescribed medication for allergic conjunctivitis. Topical steroids were mostly prescribed for atopic keratoconjuntivitis and systemic antihistamines for the acute forms of allergic conjunctivitis. Sodium cromoglicate was the only topical mast cell stabilizer prescribed and was prescribed mostly for patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Dry eye (5.2%) was the most prevalent associated ocular surface disorder and corneal abrasion (1.0%) was the commonest ocular complication presented. Conclusion: Allergic conjunctivitis remains a burden to the young population and occupations including, traders, artisans and students. Proper management with anti-allergic medications is vital to prevent the development of ocular complications.