The current and future therapy of allergic conjunctivitis.

A wealth of antiallergic drugs is available for ocular allergy, and many new drugs will soon be approved. Pharmaceutical companies frequently seek approval of anti-inflammatory drugs for allergic indications, because it is relatively easy to perform clinical trials for ocular allergy. Extremely safe drugs for mild to moderate degrees of allergic conjunctivitis include antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Topical corticosteroids, preferably those with reduced side effects, are available for more severe forms of ocular allergy. The choice of an antiallergic drug may be guided by the indication for which the drug was approved. The ultimate selection will be made based on the patient's symptoms, the drug's availability, and its cost.