[Conjunctival alterations by sympathomimetic drugs (author's transl)]

This is the report of two patients, who used eye drops containing adrenergic agents for a relatively long period of time because of conjunctival troubles. The eye drops contained phenylephrine or tetryzoline or naphazoline. As a consequence of the vasoconstriction, the treatment led to an epithelial xerosis in the region of the caruncula and of the neighbouring eyelid edges. The keratinisation resulted in a closure and disappearance of the puncta lacrimalia. Therefore, the application of vasoconstrictive eye drops for a longer period of time is discouraged. Moreover, eye drops with a low concentration of the sympathomimetic agent should be preferred.