Ocular inflammatory disease: pharmacologic update

Abstract

Allergic eye disease is a common clinical occurrence in patients, particularly those with atopy. The conjunctiva and lids are most frequently involved and symptoms can run from minor irritation to serious debilitating conditions. Several classes of pharmacologic agents are available for appropriate treatment regimens based on the patients signs and symptoms. Specific drug therapy can include the topical and systemic antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers and corticosterodis. This review focuses on the first and second generation oral antihistamines; topical ocular antihistamine/decongestants and single entity antihistamines and the newer site-specific corticosteroids.