Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Ophthalmic Medications: A Review of Relevant Allergens and Alternative Testing Methods

Dermatitis:

Post Author Corrections: October 21, 2016

doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000224

Reviews: PDF Only

Grey, Katherine R. BA; Warshaw, Erin M. MD, MS

Published Ahead-of-Print

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis is an important cause of periorbital dermatitis. Topical ophthalmic agents are relevant sensitizers. Contact dermatitis to ophthalmic medications can be challenging to diagnose and manage given the numerous possible offending agents, including both active and inactive ingredients. Furthermore, a substantial body of literature reports false-negative patch test results to ophthalmic agents. Subsequently, numerous alternative testing methods have been described. This review outlines the periorbital manifestations, causative agents, and alternative testing methods of allergic contact dermatitis to ophthalmic medications.

(C) 2016 American Contact Dermatitis Society