8^th International Eye and Vision Congress

Drugs to Treat Allergic Conjunctivitis

It is estimated that about 25% of the population is affected by allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular inflammatory infection triggered by exposure to allergen, bacteria, and virus.  Inflammation of the conjunctiva, a tissue that keeps the eyelid and eyeball moist leads to conjunctivitis. Allergic symptoms arise because of over-reactivity of the immune system that activates mast cells and in turn, causes histamine release.  Some allergic conjunctivitis are: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, Perennial allergic conjunctivitis, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Contact hypersensitivity reactions, Giant papillary conjunctivitis, Atopic keratoconjunctivitis. For severe cases of some allergic conjunctivitis surgical intervention may be indicated. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with medications like:

• Topical antihistamines
• Mast cell stabilizers
• Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids