Effectiveness of nonpharmacologic treatments for acute seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Integrative therapeutics for ocular surface disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Integrative medicine techniques are increasingly accepted into the treatment paradigm for many chronic disorders including eye disease. Over 71% of patients, including 67% of those with eye disorders, use some form of Integrative therapy. Physicians should be well versed in evidence-based therapies to know how to refer patients for the best complimentary care. We highlight the most effective integrative therapeutics from different complementary treatment paradigms to offer a framework for approaching therapy in patients with ocular surface disorders (OSDs).

RECENT FINDINGS

Lifestyle and behavioral modifications help a proportion of people with OSDs like dry eye disease and allergic conjunctivitis, which are interrelated disorders. Nutrition and supplementation can also play a role in addressing underlying inflammation and improving OSD symptoms. Acupuncture and traditional herbal medicine may also benefit some patients. New technologies offer innovative treatment pathways in the treatment of OSD but require referral to Ocular Surface Treatment Centers.

SUMMARY

Integrative treatment approach for OSD incorporates allopathic medicine, traditional remedies and lifestyle behavioral interventions, Ayurveda and herbal medicine, Nutritional Supplements, Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. New cutting-edge technologies offer breakthroughs in difficult to treat ocular surface cases. Collaboration between allergy or otolaryngology offices, complementary practitioners, as well as optometrists and ophthalmologists in Ocular Surface Treatment Centers can offer patients new avenues of treatment.

Severe conjunctival allergic reaction to polyglactin 910 sutures following strabismus surgery: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Polyglactin 910 sutures are commonly used in strabismus surgery due to their favorable handling and absorption qualities. However, their potential to cause allergic reactions is poorly documented in medical literature. This case report emphasizes this rare complication, stressing the importance of promptly recognizing and managing such reactions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 11-year-old girl with a history of left congenital partial third nerve palsy was treated with 8-0, polyglactin 910 sutures during a strabismus surgery. However, two days postoperatively, she experienced persistent redness, swelling, and pain in her left eye despite antibiotic therapy. After six days, the sutures were removed, resulting in an immediate reduction in symptoms. By the two-month follow-up, the patient fully recovered, with no signs of inflammation or complications.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

This case highlights a rare but crucial allergic reaction to polyglactin 910 sutures used in strabismus surgery. The patient's persistent inflammation, pain, and resistance to antibiotics indicated a localized allergic reaction, rather than an infection. The prompt resolution of symptoms after suture removal supports the diagnosis of suture-related allergic reaction. This case emphasizes the need to consider suture material as a potential cause of postoperative complications, especially when standard treatment fails.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers should be alert to potential allergic reactions to sutures after strabismus surgery. Timely identification and removal are vital for resolving the symptoms and achieving optimal patient outcomes. This case emphasizes the importance of postoperative care protocols that consider allergies to suture material.

2022 Glenn A. Fry Award lecture: Enhancing clinical assessment for improved ophthalmic management

ABSTRACT

Detailed clinical assessment is critical to allow sensitive evaluation of the eye and its management. As technology advances, these assessment techniques can be adapted and refined to improve the detection of pathological changes of ocular tissue and their impact on visual function. Enhancements in optical medical devices including spectacle, contact, and intraocular lenses have allowed for a better understanding of the mechanism and amelioration of presbyopia and myopia control. Advancements in imaging technology have enabled improved quantification of the tear film and ocular surface, informing diagnosis and treatment strategies. Miniaturized electronics, large processing power, and in-built sensors in smartphones and tablets capacitate more portable assessment tools for clinicians, facilitate self-monitoring and treatment compliance, and aid communication with patients. This article gives an overview of how technology has been used in many areas of eye care to improve assessments and treatment and provides a snapshot of some of my studies validating and using technology to inform better evidence-based patient management.

Nonlinear effects of humidex on risk of outpatient visit for allergic conjunctivitis among children and adolescents in Shanghai, China: A time series analysis

Background

Various epidemiological studies have focused on the adverse health outcomes of meteorological factors. However, there has been little research on the impact of humidex on allergic conjunctivitis, especially in child and adolescent populations. We aimed to explore the impact of humidex, a comprehensive index of relative humidity and temperature, on child and adolescent allergic conjunctivitis admissions.

Methods

Outpatient visit data for allergic conjunctivitis, meteorological factors and air pollutants in Shanghai for the 2017-2022 period were retrieved. For the purpose of analysing the nonlinear connection and lag impact between humidex and admissions for paediatric and adolescent allergic conjunctivitis, the distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was fitted.

Results

A total of 147 090 cases were included in our cohort. We found a significantly nonlinear effect on humidex and allergic conjunctivitis. In the single-day lag pattern, the relative risks (RR) of allergic conjunctivitis were significant at lag 0 (RR = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-1.11) to lag 2 (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.01), lag 5 (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.01) to lag 9 (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.01), and lag 14 (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03). In the cumulative-lag day pattern, the RR of allergic conjunctivitis were significant at lag 0-0 (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05-1.11) to lag 0-14 (RR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.13-1.28). We found that boys, children aged 7-17 years, and children in the warm season were more vulnerable to humidex. In addition, the highest attributable fraction (AF) and attributable number (AN) of humidex are at lag 0-14 (AF = 0.17, AN = 25 026).

Conclusions

Humidex exposure markedly increased the risk of allergic conjunctivitis, especially in highly high humidex. Appropriate public health management is needed for disease management and early intervention.

The use of environmental exposure chambers in studies related to ocular surface effects

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The potential of allergen challenges using environmental exposure facilities in allergic conjunctivitis drug development and more recently its implication on the diagnosis of the united airways concept have been emphasized in the recent literature. This study aims to present an overview of new and important data in this field.

RECENT FINDINGS

Standardized methodologies for ocular surface assessment during allergen challenges were described. The Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS) is the main validated questionnaire used for the assessment of ocular surface during allergen challenges. It combines patient and investigator assessments for more accurate conjunctival response and was extensively used in clinical research and daily practice. Environmental Exposure Chambers (EECs) studies aim to conduct tight-controlled challenges to a stable and well defined allergen airborne concentration, closer to natural exposure to evaluate the efficacy of nonpharmaceutical and antiallergic treatments. Recent studies showed a good correlation between ocular symptoms elicited by EEC and those assessed during natural exposure. These validated methods allow to investigate the efficacy of novel pharmacotherapies for allergic conjunctivitis and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in a real-world model of allergen exposure.

SUMMARY

This study aims to summarize novel data regarding the impact of EECs in studying pathophysiology and drug efficacy in the context of existing clinical protocols related to ocular surface effects. In this regard, studies comparing conjunctival response during natural and EEC exposures in patients with pollen-induced conjunctivitis aimed to demonstrate better outcomes in tight-controlled exposures mimicking natural exposure. Because allergen challenges are widely implemented in allergy treatment, this article will focus on the most important outcomes and the evolution of treatments for allergic conjunctivitis.

Mammalian Animal and Human Retinal Organ Culture as Pre-Clinical Model to Evaluate Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Intraocular Therapeutics

Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the pathogenesis of retinal neurodegenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) and an important target of therapeutic treatments. New therapeutics are tested in vivo despite limits in terms of transferability and ethical concerns. Retina cultures using human tissue can deliver critical information and significantly reduce the number of animal experiments along with increased transferability. We cultured up to 32 retina samples derived from one eye, analyzed the model's quality, induced OS, and tested the efficiency of antioxidative therapeutics. Bovine, porcine, rat, and human retinae were cultured in different experimental settings for 3-14 d. OS was induced by a high amount of glucose or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and treated with scutellarin, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and/or granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The tissue morphology, cell viability, inflammation, and glutathione level were determined. The retina samples showed only moderate necrosis (23.83 ± 5.05 increased to 27.00 ± 1.66 AU PI-staining over 14 d) after 14 days in culture. OS was successfully induced (reduced ATP content of 288.3 ± 59.9 vs. 435.7 ± 166.8 nM ATP in the controls) and the antioxidants reduced OS-induced apoptosis (from 124.20 ± 51.09 to 60.80 ± 319.66 cells/image after the scutellarin treatment). Enhanced mammalian animal and human retina cultures enable reliable, highly transferable research on OS-triggered age-related diseases and pre-clinical testing during drug development.

Artificial Tears: A Systematic Review

Artificial tears are the mainstay of dry eye disease management, but also have a role in corneal abrasion and wound healing, pain and inflammation management, conjunctivitis, keratitis, contact lens rewetting and removal, and foreign body removal. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (PROSPERO registration CRD42022369619) comparing the efficacy of artificial tears in patients with dry eye to inform prescribing choices using Web of Science, PubMed and Medline databases identified 64 relevant articles. There is good evidence that artificial tears improve symptoms of dry eye disease within a month of regular use, applied about four times a day, but signs generally take several months to improve. Not all patients with dry eye disease benefit from artificial tears, so if there is no benefit over a month, alternative management should be considered. Combination formulations are more effective than single active ingredient artificial tears. Artificial tears containing polyethylene glycol are more effective than those containing carboxymethylcellulose/carmellose sodium and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Those classified as having evaporative dry eye disease, benefit from artificial tears with liposomes, especially of higher concentration. The data available is limited by the definition of dry eye disease applied in published studies being variable, as well as the disease severity examined and compliance with artificial tears being rarely quantified.

Total IgE in tears accurately reflects the severity and predicts the prognosis of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Background

Although immunoglobulin E (IgE) increases significantly in tears and serum during seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), it is unclear whether tear total IgE can reflect the severity and prognosis of SAC more accurately than serum total IgE. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of measuring the total IgE in tears to evaluate the severity and determine the treatment of SAC.

Methods

This prospective, nonrandomized study involved 55 patients with SAC and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Serum and tears were collected before and after treatment to analyze the total IgE. SAC patients received the same topical anti‐allergy treatment and were followed‐up every 2 weeks for 1 month. The relationship of tear and serum total IgE concentrations with pollen concentrations and symptom severity before and after treatment was assessed.

Results

The total IgE concentration in tears was higher in SAC patients than in healthy participants with significant correlations between tear and serum total IgE concentrations. The total IgE concentration in tears, but not in serum, correlated with the pollen concentration and severity of ocular symptoms and reactions in SAC. Treatment‐associated improvements in symptoms and reactions in SAC correlated with decreased concentrations of the tear total IgE. Patients with disease recurrence following treatment demonstrated significantly higher tear total IgE concentrations than patients with no recurrence.

Conclusion

The total tear IgE level can indicate the severity and predict the prognosis of SAC more accurately than the serum total IgE.

Non-pharmacological interventions for pollen-induced allergic symptoms: Systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Allergic diseases pose a health problem worldwide. Pollen are widespread aeroallergens which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, itchy eyes, or rhinitis. Apart from preventive measures and pharmacological treatment, also non-pharmacological interventions have been suggested to reduce symptoms. The objective of this work was to review studies investigating the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce allergic symptoms.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were systematically reviewed in July 2018 and April 2020. Several authors worked on the screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts. One author for each literature search performed the data extraction and the risk of bias assessment. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria defined by the PECOs. Studies which investigating the effect of non-pharmacologic interventions on patients with allergic rhinitis were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies investigating eleven types of non-pharmacologic interventions to avoid and reduce allergic symptoms due to pollen exposure were included in this review. Out of all studies, seven studies addressed nasal rinsing and 22 included acupuncture, air filtering, artisanal tears, individual allergen avoidance advice, various nasal applications, self-hypnosis, rhinophototherapy, and wraparound sunglasses.

CONCLUSION

Most studies had a high risk of bias and small sample sizes. There were only a few high-quality studies that give hints about the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions. For future research, more high-quality studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of simple, safe, and cost-effective interventions.

Nonpharmacological measures to prevent allergic symptoms in pollen allergy: A critical review

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever) is the most common chronic disease in all industrialized nations. Therapy consists essentially in the use of anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory drugs, which mostly show a good and quick effect. With allergen-specific immunotherapy, there is also a causal possibility of tolerance induction. There is currently a considerable undersupply, as those affected trivialize the symptoms and often have concerns about long-term drug therapy. There is also great interest in using non-medicinal measures to prevent and/or relieve allergic symptoms on the assumption that these are free from side effects. In this publication, we present non-drug methods for which clinical studies are available in the literature. The methods have varying degrees of effectiveness. An evidence-based comparative assessment between the methods is not possible. There are also hardly any studies in comparison to standard drug therapy. A large number of the interventions consist of allergen reduction, e.g., with air filters, or cleaning of the mucous membranes with nasal irrigation, etc., none of which should be seen as a substitute but as a supplement to drug therapy.

Ocular redness - II: Progress in development of therapeutics for the management of conjunctival hyperemia

Conjunctival hyperemia is one of the most common causes for visits to primary care physicians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and emergency rooms. Despite its high incidence, the treatment options for patients with conjunctival hyperemia are restricted to over-the-counter drugs that provide symptomatic relief due to short duration of action, tachyphylaxis and rebound redness. As our understanding of the immunopathological pathways causing conjunctival hyperemia expands, newer therapeutic targets are being discovered. These insights have also contributed to the development of animal models for mimicking the pathogenic changes in microvasculature causing hyperemia. Furthermore, this progress has catalyzed the development of novel therapeutics that provide efficacious, long-term relief from conjunctival hyperemia with minimal adverse effects.

Current Knowledge in Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a disease of increasing prevalence that affects both children and adults and causes significant deterioration of their quality of life and sometimes irreversible visual damage. There are various forms of the disease, some are allergen-induced such as seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, and contact allergic blepharoconjunctivitis, whereas others are not always explained by allergen exposure, such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. We review their clinical course, characteristics, and differential diagnosis, and highlight recent advances in their pathophysiology and treatment.

Research Progress of the Application of Hypothermia in the Eye

Hypothermia is widely used in the medical field to protect organs or tissues from damage. Different research fields have different explanations of the protection mechanism of hypothermia. Hypothermia is also widely used in the field of ophthalmology, for example, in the eye bank, the preservation of corneal tissue and the preservation of the eyeball. Low temperature can also be applied to some ophthalmic diseases, such as allergic conjunctivitis, retinal ischemia, and retinal hypoxia. It is used to relieve eye symptoms or reduce tissue damage. Hypothermic techniques have important applications in ophthalmic surgery, such as corneal refractive surgery, vitrectomy surgery, and ciliary body cryotherapy for end-stage glaucoma. Hypothermia can reduce the inflammation of the cornea and protect the retinal tissue. The eyeball is a complex organ, including collagen tissue of the eyeball wall and retinal nerve tissue and retinal blood vessels. The mechanism of low temperature protecting eye tissue is complicated. It is important to understand the mechanism of hypothermia and its applications in ophthalmology. This review introduces the mechanism of hypothermia and its application in the eye banks, eye diseases (allergic conjunctivitis, retinal ischemia, and hypoxia), and eye surgeries (corneal transplant surgery, corneal refractive surgery, and vitrectomy).

[Interest of environmental exposure chambers in the evaluation of allergic conjunctivitis]

Allergic conjunctivitis affects 15 to 20% of the general population. It is currently evaluated by the Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT), which is considered as the gold standard. In the investigation of allergic rhinitis and asthma, environmental exposure chambers (EEC) are increasingly utilised. For allergic conjunctivitis, EEC might be a valid alternative to the CPT. However, evaluation of the allergen response in individual provocation tests or in EECs is still in discussion due to the multiplicity of symptom scores. Indeed, there are many scores used to evaluate allergic conjunctivitis. The main criteria used were described by Abelson in 1990 and include redness, itching, tearing, and swelling. In clinical studies, the specifically ocular score most used is the Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS). Few treatments have been evaluated by EEC, including cold compresses, epinastine and N-acetyl aspartyl glutamic acid. Moreover, early data shows good correlation between ocular symptoms induced in an EEC and those assessed during natural exposure. EEC might be a valid alternative to CPT and correlate with natural seasonal allergen exposure. Finally, EEC might be useful in other fields as well, such as in the study of dry eye disease.

Ocular allergy: update on clinical trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to provide an update on the advances made through recent clinical trials regarding the treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and its associated conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have demonstrated significant advancement in the various forms of immunotherapy treatments. Nutritional interventions such as probiotics have surfaced as a viable complementary treatment option. Novel delivery methods such as contact lenses have been further studied along with a new tacrolimus formulation to improve ocular levels of the drug.

SUMMARY

Currently, the primary advances in treatment for allergic conjunctivitis has shifted from new ophthalmic agents to immunotherapy and improvement of drug delivery. This includes the classic subcutaneous and sublingual and the novel epicutaneous and intralymphatic immunotherapy delivery systems as well as an edible rice vaccine. New targets for treatment have spurred research into new antagonist drugs such as (OC000459), a prostaglandin D2 antagonist. The Marinosolv formulation using tacrolimus shows promise and may be considered for other ophthalmic agents in the future. Other nonpharmacological treatments such as stenting and mechanical barrier gel have demonstrated their usefulness in treating ocular symptoms.

Diagnosing and managing allergic conjunctivitis in childhood: The allergist's perspective

Allergic conjunctivitis in childhood often poses problems of diagnosis and management for the allergist. We present the salient points concerning the diagnosis and treatment of ocular allergy emerging from a large cohort survey conducted jointly in the departments of ophthalmology and paediatric allergy in a French teaching hospital. Seasonal acute conjunctivitis is a common disorder and not overly difficult to diagnose and treat when associated with rhinitis leading to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. An ophthalmologist should be consulted when conjunctivitis occurs alone and if another form of conjunctivitis is suspected, such as perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis or atopic keratoconjunctivitis. When IgE-mediated hypersensitivity assessment does not establish aetiological diagnosis, a conjunctival allergen provocation test can be performed. The principal non-IgE-mediated allergy is chronic blepharoconjunctivitis. The main problem for differential diagnosis is the presence of signs suggestive of dry eye. Management includes non-pharmacological treatments, such as lacrimal substitutes, avoidance measures and protection of the ocular surface. Second-line treatment consists of eye drops, preferably single dose or without additives and with dual local action, mast cell stabilizer action and antihistaminic action. Third-line treatment is reserved for severe forms. Short-lasting local steroid therapy can control flare-ups of allergic keratoconjunctivitis, which should have specialized follow-up. Cyclosporine is a disease-modifying treatment, which is both effective and well tolerated.

Emerging Therapeutics for Ocular Surface Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to review treatment advances in ocular allergy that include the treatment of the various signs and symptoms of the allergic inflammatory response of the ocular surface.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have demonstrated improved pharmacological effect of topical agents with artificial tears and cold compresses; brimonidine, a new ophthalmic decongestant which has demonstrated decreased rebound conjunctivitis; and potential use of contact lens and other novel delivery instruments to increase medication retention time. Currently, there have been limited advances in novel ophthalmic treatments. Non-pharmacological interventions have demonstrated in a randomized control study that artificial tears and the use cold compresses alone or in combination with ophthalmic antihistamines can enhance the effectiveness of a traditional pharmacological therapy. The primary advances have been the start of head-to-head studies comparing various agents actively being used in the treatment of ocular allergy. In addition, there has been increasing interest in the development of novel delivery systems to increase residence time of pharmacological agents in the ocular surface such as nanoparticles, microfilms; examining novel pathways of controlling the allergic inflammatory response of the ocular surface such as modulation of cytokines, transcription factors, and immunophilins.

Investigating the subjective cooling effect of eyelid cleansing gel on eyelid and ocular surface temperature

PURPOSE

To investigate if the application of Blephagel, an eyelid cleansing gel, causes subjective and/or objective cooling effects by measuring ocular symptomology and temperature.

METHODS

Twenty-five healthy subjects underwent baseline non-invasive temperature measurements on the closed upper eyelid (centrally, nasally, and temporally) and ocular surface temperature (OST) on both eyes using an infrared camera. A standard application of Blephagel was then applied to the closed upper eyelid and eyelashes with a sterile cotton-wool to one eye selected at random. Temperature measures were then repeated on both eyes after 30-60, 120-150, and 180-210 s. At each interval, subjects rated the comfort and any cooling sensation of each eye on a 0-10 scale.

RESULTS

After application of the gel, there was a significant difference in temperature at all locations on the eyelid between the test and control eyes over time (F = 9.322, p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed this was significant from 30 to 60 s interval (36.3 ± 1.1 °C versus 37.2 ± 0.7 °C; p < 0.001) and the 120-150 s interval (36.8 ± 0.8 °C versus 37.2 ± 0.6 °C; p < 0.001). There was no significant variation between the OST locations over time (F = 3.350, p = 0.07). With respect to symptoms, there was a significant increase in cooling sensation in the test eye compared to the control eye over time (F = 10.438, p < 0.001), that remained throughout the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Blephagel produces a reduction in temperature of the eyelids that is accompanied with a subjective cooling sensation.

Does the temperature of an artificial tear affect its comfort?

BACKGROUND

Refrigerated eye-drops have been advocated in cases of ocular allergies to provide a soothing effect upon instillation. This notion continues to be promoted by practitioners for artificial tears (AT) in the management of dry eye (DE) with little support in the literature. To further substantiate claims of a soothing effect of cold eye-drops, the aim of this study was to determine if refrigeration of an AT enhanced the subjective comfort upon instillation.

METHODS

Participants with mild to moderate DE participated in an open label contralateral study of two weeks duration. Each participant instilled Systane Ultra (Alcon Laboratories) in the morning (between 6.00-10.00 hours) and in the evening (between 18.00-22.00 hours). Participants were asked to report the subjective comfort immediately after both of these instillations, on a scale from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent). This was done for ambient (aAT) and refrigerated (rAT) drops. An in vitro study evaluated if there were any changes in eye-drop pH and osmolarity with refrigeration.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 18, three male, 15 female, age 22-28 years, average 24.4 ± 1.6) reported mean comfort scores (± standard deviation) of 7.8 ± 0.9 and 7.6 ± 1.4, for the aAT and the rAT, respectively. Mean comfort scores (± standard deviation) for morning and evening, were 7.7 ± 1.2 and 7.8 ± 1.1, respectively. A non-parametric Friedman test of differences among repeated measures was conducted and rendered a chi-squared value of 3.74, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.29). The pH remained stable at 8.0 and the osmolality did not vary significantly with refrigeration.

CONCLUSION

There is no advantage, with respect to patient perceived comfort, in refrigerating the Systane Ultra (Alcon Laboratories) AT for mild to moderate DE.

An update on ocular allergy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The update reviews prevalence, classification, cause, and treatment options for allergic eye disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The incidence of allergic eye disease is underreported but may affect almost all patients with allergic rhinitis. Increased rates of oculonasal symptoms have been reported in the United States resulting in significant economic expenditures. The spectrum of allergic conjunctivitis and its differential considerations include seasonal and perennial conjunctivitis, vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Patients with allergic conjunctivitis have classic immunoglobulin E-mediated pathophysiology and treatments directed at allergen avoidance, traditional pharmacotherapy with oral antihistamines, topical dual-acting antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer agents, and treatment of tear film dysfunction are first-line management strategies. Immunotherapy is an effective treatment option and refractory cases may require ophthalmology comanagement for consideration of topical ester-based corticosteroid therapy and consideration of topical immunomodulators.

SUMMARY

Ocular allergy involving specific modifiable and treatable environmental sensitizations is common and often underrecognized. It can impair quality of life to varying degrees. Some cases are quite refractory to management and may require multidisciplinary coordination of care between allergy and ophthalmology specialists. Understanding classification, triggers, and treatment options is important in designing the most appropriate patient-tailored management plans.

Efficacy of olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1%, emedastine difumarate 0.05%, and loteprednol etabonate 0.5% for Chinese children with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: a randomized vehicle-controlled study

Background

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a disease of various agents that affects the physical and mental health of children. Although the most effective therapy has not been found so far, it is essential to explore the considerable therapeutic method. We compared the clinical efficacy of olopatadine, emedastine, loteprednol etabonate (LE), and vehicle for treating seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) in Chinese children.

Methods

Eighty cases of 160 eyes aged from 5 to 10 years with SAC were available and those subjects were randomly distributed into 4 groups. Both their eyes received olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% twice a day, emedastine difumarate 0.05% twice a day, or LE 0.5% 4 times a day, respectively, whereas those of the control group received artificial tears (AT) 0.5% 3 times a day. This study was conducted successfully and the observations were collected before treatment and on day 8 (±1 day) and day 15 (±2 days) afterward. The principal measurement of efficacy was focused on the signs and symptoms of the subjects, evaluated before and after treatment, in addition to visual acuity (VA) and fundus oculi.

Results

On day 8 (±1 day) and day 15 (±2 days), all the antiallergic agents were found to be more effective than vehicle (p < 0.05) in terms of all the symptoms and signs. However, there was no statistical significance (p ≥ 0.05) shown among the treatment groups. There were no evident changes in VA and no clinically significant changes were observed in fundus oculi.

Conclusion

After the treatment, the efficacy presented a similar distribution among the trial groups.

Treating allergic conjunctivitis: A once-daily medication that provides 24-hour symptom relief

BACKGROUND

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common ocular inflammatory manifestation of allergen exposure in sensitized individuals. Signs and symptoms of AC can decrease quality of life, interfere with productivity, and lead to considerable economic burden. Consistent suppression of conjunctival inflammation is necessary for managing AC, but currently available medications require frequent administration and exhibit limited duration of action.

METHODS

In this review, we summarized AC pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current treatment options as well as their limitations. Findings from the literature were discussed in the context of the unmet need for a once-daily medication with sustained 24-hour effectiveness.

RESULTS

Topical pharmacologic treatments are the most common approach for managing extant AC; however, most available medications require multiple daily instillations. Dual-acting antihistamine-mast cell stabilizing agents are currently considered first-line therapeutics for AC because they provide acute relief of signs and symptoms and block persistent inflammation to promote regression of AC. Recent studies of a newly-developed, higher-concentration formulation of a dual-acting antihistamine-mast cell stabilizer have demonstrated that this formulation provides a 24-hour duration of action with once-daily dosing.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual-acting AC medications exhibit a high degree of overall effectiveness and are well tolerated for chronic use. A newly available once-daily medication that manages signs and symptoms of AC for a full 24 hours may be considered a treatment of choice for patients experiencing seasonal or perennial AC. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01743027 and NCT01479374.