Objective: The frequency of allergic conjunctivitis in children is less clear. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of allergic conjunctivitis in children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty- seven consecutive children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in immunology and allergy clinic between January 2013-June 2013 were included. All patients were performed skin prick tests with same allergens. Symptom questionnaire and eye examination were applied for allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis was diagnosed when both of the cases were positive.

Results: The mean age was 8.2 ± 2.7 (5-16) years and 63.8% of the patients were male. Patients were followed with diagnosis of allergic rhinitis [50 (39.4%) patients (group I)], with asthma [30 (23.6%) (group II)], and with asthma and allergic rhinitis [47 (37%) patients (group III)]. 64 (50.4%) patients were diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis. Frequency of allergic conjunctivitis in the groups were 25/50 (50%), 10/30 (33.3%), 29/47 (61.7%), respectively. Although there was not statistically significant difference in terms of frequency of allergic conjunctivitis between the groups (p= 0.052), group III was higher than the other groups. The most common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis was itching (57/64, 89.1%) and the most common clinical finding was papillary structures 54/64 (84.4%), respectively. Ocular findings were positive in 30% of patients with undiagnosed allergic conjunctivitis and papillary structures were seen in all of these patients. The most common of the allergen sensitivity was detected to house dust mite (59.8%).

Conclusion: Frequency of allergic conjunctivitis is increasing when asthma and allergic rhinitis are together. Sensitivity to house dust mite is most frequently seen in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Signs of allergic conjunctivitis can also be seen without complaints of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis should be investigated patients with allergic disease.