Allergic inflammation of the anterior surface of the eye

Abstract

Background: Ocular allergies affect an estimated 40% of the population, 98% of which are because of allergic conjunctivitis and includes tear film dysfunction. With the current advent of both repurposed drugs for ocular allergies, as well as novel drugs, lubricants and methods of administration, there is a need to update new treatments to optimize the care of ocular allergy patients. Methods: An overview of mediators, clinical characteristics and management is provided in a summary format. Results: Lubricants (best when refrigerated provide immediate relief that is short lived (several minutes) due to its dilutional effect on mediators and pollen in the tear film. Immediate and longer-term benefit occurs from different topical and oral medications ‐ primarily histamine receptor agonists. Conclusion: The newest prescription topical ophthalmic histamine H1 receptor antagonist (an inverse agonist) to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the past 10 years (U.S. NDA approved May 30, 2017) is cetirizine ophthalmic solution for the treatment of ocular itching with allergic conjunctivitis in adults and in children more than 2 years old.