From the Guidelines
Increasing knowledge and awareness of ocular allergies among parents of school-going children is crucial to reduce the significant impact of allergic conjunctivitis on quality of life, as noted in a recent study published in 2024 in the journal Ophthalmology 1. Parents should be educated about common symptoms such as eye redness, itching, tearing, and swelling, which can significantly impact a child's comfort and academic performance. When symptoms occur, parents can initially try over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen fumarate 0.025% (Zaditor, Alaway) or olopatadine 0.1% (Pataday Once Daily Relief), administered as 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily or as directed on the packaging. Some key points to consider include:
- Allergic conjunctivitis alone has been estimated to occur in 6% to 40% of the general population, with symptoms noted in 30% to 71% of patients with allergic rhinitis 1.
- The presence of ocular symptoms reduces quality of life, reduces work productivity, and increases resource utilization regardless of the severity of nasal symptoms 1.
- Cold compresses applied for 5-10 minutes several times daily can provide additional relief.
- Environmental modifications are equally important: keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, using air purifiers with HEPA filters, washing bedding weekly in hot water, and having children wash their hands and face after outdoor activities. Parents should seek medical attention if symptoms persist beyond 72 hours despite these measures, if there's eye pain, vision changes, or discharge, or if the child has a history of severe allergic reactions. School nurses and teachers should be informed about a child's ocular allergies to ensure proper monitoring and support during school hours. Ocular allergies result from the immune system's hypersensitivity reaction to allergens, triggering mast cell degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, which cause the characteristic symptoms. With proper education, parents can effectively manage their children's ocular allergies and minimize disruption to their daily activities and learning, as supported by the recent study in Ophthalmology 1.
From the Research
Knowledge and Awareness of Ocular Allergy
- The provided studies do not directly address the knowledge and awareness of ocular allergy among parents of school-going children 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, these studies discuss the treatment and management of allergic conjunctivitis, which could be relevant to understanding ocular allergies in general.
- The studies compare the effectiveness of different medications, such as olopatadine and ketotifen, in treating allergic conjunctivitis 2, 3, 4, 5.
- They also discuss the symptoms and treatment outcomes of allergic conjunctivitis, including itching, tearing, redness, and hyperemia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- While the studies do not provide information on the knowledge and awareness of ocular allergy among parents, they suggest that ocular allergies are a common condition that can be effectively managed with proper treatment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Olopatadine and ketotifen are two commonly used medications for treating allergic conjunctivitis 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that both medications are effective in reducing symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, including itching, tearing, and redness 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, some studies suggest that olopatadine may be more effective than ketotifen in relieving certain symptoms, such as hyperemia 5.
- A meta-analysis study found that olopatadine was associated with substantially lower hyperaemia compared to ketotifen 5.
- Another study found that olopatadine was more effective than ketotifen in improving itching, tearing, and burning in allergic conjunctivitis patients 4.