The spectrum of allergic ocular diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiologic mechanisms, differential diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of the various manifestations of ocular allergy, with an especial focus on immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated disease. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed search was performed to include articles, using the search terms ocular allergy and allergic conjunctivitis. STUDY SELECTIONS: Recent and relevant human studies in the English language pertaining to our topic of study were selected. Animal studies pertaining to pathophysiology of ocular allergy were also reviewed. We focused on clinical trials, practice guidelines, reviews, and systematic reviews. In addition, case reports were reviewed if they described rare clinical presentations, disease mechanisms, or novel therapies. RESULTS: Ocular allergy encompasses both IgE- and non-IgE-mediated disease, and the clinical severity may range from mild to sight-threatening inflammation. A comprehensive treatment regimen including education, lifestyle measures, topical therapies, and even systemic interventions may be necessary for the effective management of ocular allergies, tailored according to symptom severity. CONCLUSION: Ocular allergy is frequently encountered by allergists and eye-care specialists, and despite progressively increasing incidence, it often remains underdiagnosed and, hence, untreated.

Is less-than-full-time training in dentistry swimming against the tide?

With ongoing changes to the demography of the dental workforce coupled with the changing expectations of those participating in early career post-graduate training, dentistry is experiencing a shift in how it might manage trainees. Drawing on experience from medicine and the anticipated behavioural differences, it is worth considering a way in which training might be able to adapt to the requirements of newer graduates, to ensure that the profession does not lose out on preparing the best candidates possible for careers that improve the state of dentistry both as a vocation and for patient benefit.

Tier 2: A Warm welcome or a Cold Reality?

Since the introduction of the 2006 NHS dental contract, various waiting list initiatives and the subsequent release of NHS commissioning guidance for dental services, there has been a remarkable and rapid shift towards the provision of intermediate services within the profession. the complexity surrounding those non-specialist providers working within these services has lead to much confusion and the further development of competencies required to work within these settings. this paper focuses on explaining and exploring the topics that arise from an area that has attracted much discussion and debate.

Examining the links between hydration, nutrition and mouth health.

Hydration, nutrition and mouth health have historically been overlooked and considered in isolation when, in reality, they are interlinked and interdependent. Not only do these health factors greatly influence each other, but also they have a significant effect on general health and wellbeing. By viewing each of these areas in isolation, health professionals risk missing opportunities to maximise patients' health and quality of life. Collaboration between health professions will also maximise benefits to patients. This article aims to explain the health effects of hydration, nutrition and mouth health and the links between them so practitioners consider how they can make positive changes in these areas for their patients and how they can promote collaboration with other health professionals.