Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
06:19
Author Spotlight: A Novel Protocol for Intracameral Injections to Enhance Precision in Rodent Ophthalmology
Published on: May 31, 2024
1.9K
Advances in pharmacotherapy for allergic conjunctivitis
Mark B Abelson1, Sirikishan Shetty, Michael Korchak
1Harvard University, Department of Ophthalmology, Ora, Inc. , 300 Brickstone Square, Andover MA 01810 , USA.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|May 7, 2015
Summary
Ocular allergy affects 40% of the population. New dual-acting antihistamines and targeted therapies are improving treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, offering better relief and advancing anti-allergy drug development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Allergy is a significant chronic disease, impacting up to 40% of the population in developed countries.
- The pathophysiology involves genetic predisposition and immune system hypersensitivity to environmental factors.
- Understanding ocular allergy mediators is crucial for developing new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatments for allergic conjunctivitis and ocular allergy.
- To explore novel therapeutic agents in clinical trials.
- To discuss the future of anti-allergic therapy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Medline.
- Data from clinicaltrials.gov and associated websites were incorporated.
- Focus on allergic conjunctivitis, ocular allergy, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Current treatment mainstays include identifying and avoiding triggers, and using new-generation antihistamines.
- Emerging drugs offer improved efficacy, duration of relief, and patient response rates.
- Novel drug classes targeting inflammatory pathways are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Identification and avoidance of allergens remain the first line of therapy.
- Advancements in drug development are leading to more effective treatments for ocular allergy.
- Ongoing research using models like the conjunctival allergen challenge is paving the way for next-generation anti-allergic therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
247
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
247
01:11Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
2.1K
Direct-acting cholinergic agonists have many therapeutic uses in various medical fields. Choline esters, including acetylcholine, have limited clinical utility due to their non-selectivity and short duration of action. Still, acetylcholine and carbachol are applied topically during ophthalmologic surgery to induce miosis. Pilocarpine, a muscarinic and ganglionic stimulator, effectively treats open-angle glaucoma and alleviates xerostomia and dry mouth caused by radiotherapy or Sjögren...
2.1K
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
2.4K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
2.4K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.7K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.7K
01:22Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
1.1K
Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection, and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
1.1K