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CLINICAL RESEARCH C
EMPOWERING INDEPENDENT
OPTOMETRIC PRACTICES Interprofessional Management of Allergic Conjunctivitis:
A Proposed Algorithm for Canadian Clinical Practice
C. Lisa Prokopich, OD, MSc Abstract
School of Optometry
and Vision Science,
University of Waterloo Ocular allergies affect a large and increasing number of people in North
America. Canada’s statistics are likely to mirror those of the U.S., where up
Michael Lee-Poy, to 40% of the population is affected by ocular allergies. The symptoms and
MD, CCFP, FCFP, MClSc(FM) signs of ocular allergies can greatly affect productivity and have a dramatic
The Centre for effect on overall quality of life (QoL). Over the years, many effective treat-
Family Medicine; ments have been developed for the management of ocular allergies. For
Department of allergic conjunctivitis, topical ophthalmic agents include antihistamines,
Family Medicine, mast-cell stabilizers, dual-activity agents, steroids, nonsteroidal anti-in-
McMaster University; flammatory drugs, and other immune-modulating drugs. Oral antihista-
Department of mines are commonly chosen by patients for all forms of allergy, including
Family Medicine, allergic conjunctivitis. This review provides a summary of the forms of ocu-
University of Western Ontario lar allergy, with a particular focus on the symptoms and signs, diagnosis,
current treatment options, and impact on QoL. More importantly, through
Harold Kim, MD, FRCPC multidisciplinary collaboration, a simplified treatment algorithm is pro-
Division of Clinical posed for Canadian clinical practice. This algorithm provides practitioners
Immunology & Allergy, the best possible management strategies based on an individual patient
Department of Medicine, presentation, thereby maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing the
Benefit from volume discounts generated by over Western University; effects on tasks of daily living and QoL.
Division of Clinical
800 independent clinics across Canada Immunology & Allergy, KEYWORDS
Department of Medicine, Allergic Conjunctivitis; Ocular Allergy; Antihistamines; Ophthalmic Steroids;
McMaster University Dual-activity Agents
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CANADIAN JOURNAL of OPTOMETRY | REVUE CANADIENNE D’OPTOMÉTRIE VOL. 80 NO. 3 11
