[Application of corticosteroid eye drops for allergic eye diseases in children]

The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing recently. Allergy has various symptoms. Allergic eye diseases (seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, contact blepharoconjunctivitis) are common in atopic patients. Treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis include local and systemic antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, dual-action agents, vasoconstrictors and corticosteroids. Treatment seems easy, but inappropriate therapy - in extreme cases - can lead to vision loss. Corticosteroid eyedrops provide effective relief of symptoms, however, their use is limited due to their severe side effects. Both steroid-induced cataract and steroid-induced glaucoma are dangerous for vision. The characteristics, frequency and risks of these side effects have been studied widely in adults, but there are very few studies focused on children. According to the present studies, the side effects of topically administered corticosteroids appear more often in children than in adults. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(9): 329-337.