Allergic Conjunctivitis - Treatment Options

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, I'm Erika. I hope my question would be able to reach you guys in time. I just came back from Brisbane 2 weeks ago, prior coming to Brisbane I had a frequent case of conjunctivitis. I reside in Singapore. During my 4month stint in Brisbane, to my amazement I never had a single case of red eye or conjunctivitis, even if crying and rubbing my eyes with my contacts still on, it never occured at all. However, having returned back to Singapore, the red eye or the conjunctivitis came back within days. I am desperate as to know what I should do or what medication I should be taking. I've always used Optrex Eye drops as well as Novartis: Spersallerg, but this time round, the process seems to be taking at a much slower pace. What other precautions or medications would work?

Dear Erika: After reviewing your symptoms, my most probable diagnosis of your condition would be allergic conjunctivitis. Diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis generally is made by taking a thorough history and by careful clinical observation. Due to the fact that your symptoms improved with change in environment suggest of an allergic cause to the conjunctivitis.

I would suggest that you consult your opthalmologist for further evaluation. Superficial conjunctival scrapings may help to establish the diagnosis by revealing eosinophils.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with a variety of drugs, including topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids.