[Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in Hakodate].

PURPOSE: We investigated seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in Hakodate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 293 patients with allergy-like symptoms who were seen at the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology of Hakodate Municipal Hospital in 2001 and 2002 were examined for pollinosis, and evaluated. The general severity of conjunctivitis was graded as (+), (++), and (+++). The allergen was identified by AlaSTAT and nasal provocation test. RESULTS: In March, June, and September 2001, and in March, April, and June 2002, many patients were examined. In 2001, 134 patients (87.0%) had allergic conjunctivitis, and 126 patients (90.6%) had it in 2002. The severity of allergic conjunctivitis in May, June, and September was significantly (p<0.05) more severe than in February, March, and April. The major antigen rates for Cryptomeria japonica, Gramineae, Artemisia, and Betula platyphyia var. japonica were 22, 21, 8, and 3%. The specific IgE positive rates for Cryptomeria japonica, Betula platyphyia var. japonica, Gramineae and Artemisia were higher in March and April, in May, in June, and in September. CONCLUSION: The allergens of conjunctivitis in Hakodate were not the same as in the Kansai. We should consider the dispersion of pollens area by area.