Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis induced by Japanese pear pollen

Purpose: To evaluate the ocular findings in patients with Japanese pear (Py rus pyrifolia Nakai) pollinosis. Methods: Twenty-two farmers working on artificial pollination in Japanese p ear orchards were examined for ocular itching, conjunctival conditions, pre sence of eosinophils in the conjunctival specimen, and nasal symptoms. Seru m IgE antibody to Japanese pear pollen was determined in 16 farmers. Results: Of the 22 subjects, 3 (Nos. 3, 4, and 13) exhibited ocular itching , conjunctival hyperemia, eosinophils in the conjunctival specimen, and pos itive serum IgE antibodies to Japanese pear pollen. In these patients, the conjunctivitis disappeared after treatment with topical cromoglycate. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that seasonal allergic conjuncti vitis may be induced by Japanese pear pollen (entomophilous flower pollen). Jpn J Ophthalmol 1999;43:240-242 (C) 1999 Japanese Ophthalmological Societ y.