Ocular manifestations of allergies - options for self-treatment.

Abstract

Ocular allergies, the majority of which are seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, are one of the most common ocular conditions for which patients seek professional help. These allergies mainly affect the structures of the anterior segment of the eye, including the conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids, or lacrimal glands. Patients may experience a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and in some cases, chronic forms of the condition can lead to gradual vision impairment. Currently, several over-the-counter medications containing antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and decongestants are available for the treatment of ocular allergies, when used in combination with non-pharmacological and preventive measures. In terms of dosage form, topical preparations in the form of eye drops or systemic oral treatment can be chosen. Particularly, systemic oral treatment is usually preferred in chronic cases, with frequent exacerbations, or when the simultaneous occurrence of other allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, is present. To reduce the ocular manifestations of allergies, the use of selected medical devices is also recommended, for example, those containing ectoine and hyaluronate which form a protective layer on the surface of the eye, thereby reducing the risk of irritation.