title: The anti-inflammatory effects of therapies for ocular allergy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this review, we aim to summarize the currently available compounds targeting the different components of the inflammatory cascade triggered by an ocular allergic reaction, from mast cells to eosinophils and lymphocytes, with a special focus on specific signs and symptoms that are related to them.
  
  
  METHODS
  The article gives a review of topical therapies utilized to treat the various forms of allergic conjunctivitis, starting from the first drugs developed in the 1980s up to the new compounds that are currently being developed. These include antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and topical immunosuppressants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The treatment options that have been developed for allergic conjunctivitis in the past 30 years are the result of a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the initiation and perpetuation of the ocular allergic reaction, which is guiding us toward a more specific treatment approach.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several reports and literature reviews have demonstrated that a better knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of the different types of ocular allergy has improved the treatment choice resulting in better clinical outcomes for ocular allergy sufferers. Specifically, the development of novel compounds targeting specific cells and/or cytokines involved in the ocular immune reaction provided safer and more tolerated drugs for both mild-to-moderate and severe forms of allergic conjunctivitis. The correlation of clinical responses to drugs with what we understand about the molecular mechanisms involved could possibly prove useful for developing more standardized treatments in the near future.
authors.affiliation: 1 IRCCS Fondazione Bietti , Rome, Italy .
authors.forename: Flavio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mantelli
authors.forename: Virginia L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Calder
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bonini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D015195:Drug Design; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000378:metabolism; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016207:Cytokines; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents