Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Vernal or Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
  • Acute allergic conjunctivitis
  • Contact conjunctivitis
  • Conjunctivitis medicamentosa
  • Contact Lens-Associated Papillary Conjunctivitis

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • Cool compresses for symptomatic relief
  • For acute relief consider PoM topical antihistamine
    • PoM Olopatadine 1 drop twice daily (8 hourly interval) whilst symptomatic
      • Contraindicated in
        • breastfeeding/pregnancy
        • women of childbearing age not using contraception
        • Caution in dry eye/compromised ocular surface if prolonged use planned
      • Refer to local Pharmacist for oral antihistamine
        • Effective also for other symptoms of hay fever, e.g. allergic rhinitis
  • Consider anticipatory use of mast cell stabiliser (slow response)
    • Sodium cromoglicate 2% eye drops 4 times daily

Advice

  • Advise against eye rubbing
  • Advise avoidance of allergen(s)

Management Category

  • Normally no referral
  • if conventional therapy fails, referral to an immunologist for consideration of sub-lingual or other form of immunotherapy may be appropriate

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Not normally referred