CONTACT DERMOCONJUNCTIVITIS
It is an allergic disorder, involving conjunctiva and skin of lids along with surrounding area of face.
Etiology
It is in fact a delayed hypersensitivity (type IV) response to prolonged contact with chemicals and drugs. A few common topical ophthalmic medications known to produce contact dermoconjunctivitis are atropine, penicillin, neomycin, soframycin and gentamycin.
Clinical picture
1. Cutaneous involvement is in the form of weeping eczematous reaction, involving all areas with which medication comes in contact.
2. Conjunctival response is in the form of hyperaemia with a generalised papillary response affecting the lower fornix and lower palpebral conjunctiva more than the upper.
Diagnosisis made from:
� Typical clinical picture. Conjunctival cytology shows a lymphocytic response with masses of eosinophils. Skin test to the causative allergen is positive in most of the cases.
Treatment consists of:
1. Discontinuation of the causative medication,
2. Topical steroid eye drops to relieve symptoms, and
3. Application of steroid ointment on the involved skin.
Optometrist
