Ocular allergy and dry eye syndrome
Abstract
Ocular allergy is a common clinical disorder that includes dry eye syndrome in its differential diagnosis. While ocular allergy treatments have continued to evolve since the early 1990s when the new prescription topical agents became available, there have been no major advances in the treatment of dry eye syndrome other than changes in the chemical structures of various artificial tear formulations. This review is timely and relevant due to the recent FDA approval of several new agents for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The literature reviewed brings the practicing allergist/clinical immunologist up to date on the recent understanding that T-cell activation plays a key role in dry eye syndrome immunopathophysiology. In addition, the parallel novel treatment developments are discussed, including new formulations for tear substitutes, topical cyclosporine A and purinergic receptor (P2Y2) agonists. The recent developments bode well for patients who are referred for ocular allergy, including dry eye syndrome. A new formulation for a tear substitute that generates a 'soft gel' covering the ocular surface (in situ) is ideal for early forms of dry syndrome, while topical cyclosporine is the first new real prescription treatment fo...Continue Reading
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