RESUMO
Purpose: To report clinical manifestations of ocular allergy to atropine eye drops used for retardation of progressive myopia in children. Methods: Myopic children, who developed bothersome itching that subsided promptly after cessation of atropine eye drops, were included. History of systemic or ocular allergy, preexisting ocular conditions, and clinical features of allergy were noted. Results: Six children, age 5–15 years, were included. Four developed allergy to 1% atropine sulfate eye drops and two to 0.01% concentration of atropine sulfate. The onset of allergy was within a month to as late as 4 years after using atropine eye drops. The severity of allergy was higher with 1% concentration. The most common symptoms of atropine allergy were itching and burning. The most common signs were lid swelling and hyperemia. The allergic manifestations promptly reversed with the stoppage of eye drops. Reintroduction was possible in three patients, either by reducing the concentration of atropine or using benzalkonium free formulation. Conclusion: Allergy to atropine eye drops in children may develop within a few weeks or after many years of usage. Prompt cessation followed by a reintroduction and continuation of therapy may be possible in few patients.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Periocular dermatitis (PD) is a common condition and can be classified as either allergic or non-allergic. Because the periocular region is one of the most sensitive areas of the skin, contact with any environmental or therapeutic allergen may give rise to dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of patch testing to determine sensitivity to contact allergens in PD patients. METHODS: Patch testing was conducted in 29 PD patients using the T.R.U.E. test(R) at Pusan National University Hospital. We examined the results of patch testing, the probable cause of PD, and the history of use of ophthalmic medication. RESULTS: Contact hypersensitivity was detected using the T.R.U.E. test(R) in 62.1% (18/29) of the patients, and contact hypersensitivity to specific ophthalmic medications was observed in 33.3% (3/9) of the patients with a history of using ophthalmic medication. CONCLUSION: We suggest that patch testing can be utilized to elucidate the relevant contact allergen in patients with PD. Patch testing with specific ophthalmic medications is valuable to determine allergic reactions in patients who have used ophthalmic medications.