[Update on Current Care Guideline: Glaucoma].

The up-date of the Finnish Current Care Guideline for glaucoma is based primarily on systematic reviews searched up by March 2014. The recommendations are presented in nine tables, which are based on 95 graded statements with evidence summaries. The online availability (www.

Clinical measurement of eosinophil numbers in eosinophilic conjunctivitis.

Cytological examination of conjunctival scrapings is a valuable technique in differentiating various types of conjunctivitis. Brush conjunctival cytology is easy to use, and it may show a rich cell sample also from the deeper conjunctival layers. It is atraumatic and suitable for tarsal conjunctival cytology.

[Treatment of eye allergies].

Seasonal atopic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamines, cromoglycate and short courses of corticosteroids, in severe cases with subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy. Chronic conjunctivitis requires year-round treatment with mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines or topical corticosteroids. Long-term treatment of atopic blepharoconjunctivitis consists of tacrolimus or pimecrolimus cream.

Diagnostics and new developments in the treatment of ocular allergies.

About 30% of people suffer from allergic symptoms, and 40% to 80% of them have eye symptoms. Atopic conjunctivitis is divided into seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. The treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is simple: antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, or cromoglycate.

[Non-allergic eosinophilic conjunctivitis].

Non-allergic eosinophilic conjunctivitis (NAEC) is a fairly common but poorly known ailment, often associated with dry eye syndrome. The majority of patients are middle-aged or elderly women. The symptoms are similar to those in allergic conjunctivitis, whereas atopic allergy cannot be found.

Updates in the treatment of ocular allergies.

Allergic diseases have greatly increased in industrialized countries. About 30% of people suffer from allergic symptoms and 40%-80% of them have symptoms in the eyes. Atopic conjunctivitis can be divided into seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC).

Cellular characteristics of non-allergic eosinophilic conjunctivitis.

Purpose: This study examines the histology of conjunctival biopsy samples from patients with persistent allergic eosinophilic conjunctivitis (AEC) or non-allergic eosinophilic conjunctivitis (NAEC).

Methods: Fourteen patients with conjunctivitis and eosinophilia in cytology samples were included in the study. Seven had positive skin-prick tests (the AEC group) and seven had negative skin-prick tests (the NAEC group).

[Dry eye--an increasing ailment].

The dry eye syndrome is probably the most common eye symptom. Its severity varies form mild to the incapacitating and difficult Sjögren's syndrome. Factors increasing the symptom are our northern environment, mechanical ventilation, ageing population, medicaments causing eye dryness, and various diseases.

Tear fluid concentration of mmp-8 is elevated in non-allergic eosinophilic conjunctivitis and correlates with conjunctival inflammatory cell infiltration.

Background: To investigate tear fluid concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) and its relation to conjunctival inflammatory cell infiltration in persistent non-allergic eosinophilic conjunctivitis (NAEC).

Methods: Two groups were included: 26 consecutive adult patients with NAEC (conjunctival eosinophils at least 1+ [1-10 eosinophils/slide], skin prick test [SPT] to common allergens negative), and 26 asymptomatic adult persons (no conjunctival eosinophils, SPT negative). MMP-8 tear fluid concentrations were determined by immunofluorometric assay, and conjunctival brush cytology samples from NAEC patients were used for MMP-8 immunocytochemistry.

Elevated expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 8 in tear fluid in atopic blepharoconjunctivitis.

Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) is an effective collagenolytic enzyme that is associated with many ocular inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis, keratitis, and ocular rosacea. We studied the tear fluid concentration and activation of MMP-8 in atopic blepharoconjunctivitis (ABC) and the presence of the enzyme in conjunctival inflammatory cells in vivo.

Methods: Tear fluid samples were collected from 26 patients with ABC and 26 healthy controls.

Effect of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment on conjunctival cytology in patients with severe atopic blepharoconjunctivitis: a retrospective study.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and effect of tacrolimus ointment on conjunctival cytology in patients with atopic blepharoconjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis.

Methods: Ten patients with severe atopic blepharoconjunctivitis treated with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment once daily as an intermittent treatment were analysed retrospectively.

Tear fluid levels of MMP-8 are elevated in ocular rosacea--treatment effect of oral doxycycline.

Background: Ocular rosacea (OcR) is a chronic inflammatory disease especially affecting lid margins. Previous studies have shown that it is accompanied by increased levels and activation of tear fluid gelatinases. Matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8; collagenase 2) levels and activation are commonly elevated in many inflammatory conditions.

Group IIA phospholipase A(2) concentration of tears in patients with ocular rosacea.

Purpose: To determine the concentration of group IIA phospholipase A(2) (GIIAPLA(2)) in tears of patients with ocular rosacea, and to compare it with GIIAPLA(2) concentration in tears of age-matched healthy controls.

Methods: The GIIAPLA(2) concentration in tears was measured with a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in 21 patients with ocular rosacea (mean age 55.6+/-9.

Group IIA phospholipase A2 content of tears in patients with atopic blepharoconjunctivitis.

Background: To determine the concentration of group IIA phospholipase A(2) (GIIAPLA(2)) in tears of patients with atopic blepharoconjunctivitis (ABC), and to compare it with the GIIAPLA(2) concentration of tears in age-matched healthy controls.

Methods: The diagnosis of ABC was confirmed with a positive skin prick test and the presence of atopic dermatitis in lids. Conjunctival brush cytology was taken, and the cells including eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, squamous epithelial cells, columnar epithelial cells, metaplastic changes and the goblet cells were calculated separately.

IgE-mediated allergy to fungal allergens in Finland with special reference to Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum.

Background: Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum are common fungi in outdoor environments, but their clinical significance has not been elucidated in Finland.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of IgE-mediated allergy and clinical outcomes caused by sensitization to fungal allergens in patients with suspected allergy.

Methods: Skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed with C.