33^rd European Ophthalmology Congress

Ophthalmic Disorders

Many ophthalmic disorders that are amenable to self-treatment are those involving the eyelids and adjacent areas, such as contact dermatitis and blepharitis. Some disorders that affect the eye surface can be self-treated as well, including dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, diagnosed corneal edema, minor ocular irritation, as well as cleaning or lubricating of artificial eyes. Episodes of dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis are the most common ophthalmic conditions for which patients elect to use OTC ophthalmic products for prevention and treatment. Although some ophthalmic conditions are amenable to self-treatment, it is important for pharmacists to encourage patients with more serious conditions to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. A variety of OTC ophthalmic products are currently on the market, including ocular lubricants (artificial tear solutions and nonmedicated ointments), ocular decongestants, an ocular antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer, and products containing a combination of decongestants and antihistamines for the management and treatment of minor and self-limiting ophthalmic conditions, such as dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis. Eyelid scrubs for treating blepharitis, ophthalmic irrigant solutions for removing loose foreign substances from the eye (e.g., lint and dust), and hyperosmotics for diagnosed corneal edema are also available.