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Related Experiment Videos

Thimerosal: a hidden allergen in ophthalmology.

A Tosti1, G Tosti

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Italy.

Contact Dermatitis
|May 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Thimerosal in eye drops and contact lens solutions can cause allergic conjunctivitis. Patch testing confirmed thimerosal as the cause in 36 patients, highlighting its clinical relevance in eye care.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Allergology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Thimerosal, an ethylmercury compound, is a preservative used in some ophthalmic solutions and contact lens care products.
  • Allergic contact conjunctivitis and dermatitis are potential adverse reactions to topical agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of thimerosal in causing follicular allergic contact conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis in ophthalmic patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 36 patients with symptoms suggestive of thimerosal-induced ocular allergy.
  • Clinical examination for conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis.
  • Patch testing with thimerosal and ophthalmic solutions.

Main Results:

  • 36 patients presented with follicular conjunctivitis, with or without eyelid dermatitis.
  • 18 patients had conjunctivitis alone, 5 had conjunctivitis with eyelid dermatitis (all using thimerosal eye drops).
  • 13 patients were soft contact lens wearers sensitized to thimerosal solutions; all 36 showed positive thimerosal patch tests.

Conclusions:

  • Thimerosal is a significant cause of allergic contact conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis in patients using contaminated eye drops or contact lens solutions.
  • Thimerosal sensitization is clinically relevant in ophthalmology, necessitating awareness and avoidance.

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