Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Research Scholarships - Master's program

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, which is a condition where nasal and eye allergies occur together, affects up to one in five Canadians, with its prevalence continuing to increase worldwide. Additionally, eye symptoms such as itching, redness, and tearing are often underappreciated and poorly managed compared to nasal symptoms. The eyes and nose are connected by a physical drainage system that directs up to 80% of tears into the nasal cavity, allowing allergens and allergic markers to move between them. This connection explains why nasal allergies can trigger eye symptoms, and eye allergies can affect the nose. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this complex two-way allergic response remains largely unclear. Despite advances in allergy research, the 1990 conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) protocol remains mostly unchanged, and any updates are not publicly accessible. This highlights a clear need for an updated, evidence-based protocol to support modern allergy studies. Therefore, we will develop and validate an up to-date CAC model to test whether eye allergen exposure leads to nasal symptoms and changes in associated allergy indicators in the body. This study will examine allergy symptoms and fluids from the nose and eyes to better understand their connection. By doing this, we can better understand the biological changes that happen during allergic reactions, which will help researchers develop more effective and comprehensive treatments. Ultimately, through guiding future research, this work aims to improve relief and quality of life for the many Canadians living with seasonal allergies. Finally, by publishing this protocol publicly, we aim to promote research transparency and establish a common method for studying seasonal eye and nasal allergies.