What is the treatment of choice for mild to moderate allergic conjunctivitis?

The treatment of choice for mild to moderate allergic conjunctivitis is the combination of a histamine H1 receptor antagonist and a mast cell stabilizer. This combination effectively addresses both the immediate symptoms caused by histamine release and the prevention of future allergic reactions.

Histamine H1 receptor antagonists work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is responsible for symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling that occur during an allergic response. Mast cell stabilizers, on the other hand, help prevent the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells, thereby reducing the overall allergic response.

Using this combination approach allows for both fast relief of acute symptoms as well as long-term management of the condition by preventing future episodes of allergic conjunctivitis. This dual-action treatment is particularly effective for controlling the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, making it the preferred choice for managing this condition in patients who present with mild to moderate symptoms.

Alternative treatments, such as using each component alone, may not provide the comprehensive relief achievable with the combination therapy. Topical corticosteroids might be reserved for more severe cases due to potential side effects, while oral antihistamines primarily address systemic allergic reactions and may not be as effective for localized ocular symptoms.