title: An algorithm for the management of allergic conjunctivitis.
abstract: Allergic conjunctivitis has been reported to be increasing in prevalence in the United States. It significantly impacts patient quality of life and reduces their productivity. It has been noted that nasal and ocular symptoms are equally bothersome in the majority of patients. Despite the development of new therapeutic interventions, ocular allergy is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This article outlines current best practices regarding diagnosis and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis; suggests criteria for referral to a colleague with different expertise; and provides an algorithm for step recommendations including treatment with antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. bielory@Rutgers.edu
authors.forename: Leonard
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bielory
authors.forename: Eli O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Meltzer
authors.forename: Kelly K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Melton
authors.forename: Randall K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Jimmy D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bartlett
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000465:Algorithms; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015550:Cell Degranulation / Q000187:drug effects; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D006633:Histamine Antagonists