The treatment for keratoconjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause.

Treatment for keratoconjunctivitis due to bacteria usually includes antibiotic eye drops, antibiotic ointment, and cold compresses. Many with viral keratoconjunctivitis will benefit from corticosteroid eye drops.

The treatment for keratoconjunctivitis includes: Antibiotic eye drops Antibiotic eye ointment Antiviral eye drops Cidofovir Artificial tears Cold compresses Corticosteroid eye drops: Dexamethasone (Ocu-Dex) Fluorometholone (Flarex, FML Forte) Prednisolone (Pred Forte) Rimexolone (Vexol) Allergy medications for atopic keratoconjunctivitis Topical antihistamines for keratoconjunctivitis Cromolyn ophthalmic.

Antiviral eye drops

1Cidofovir is used for the treatment of CMV retinitis (a severe viral eye infection) in patients with AIDS.

Names Cidofovir, Vistide

Side Effects Fever Low white blood cell counts Nausea Proteinuria and kidney toxicity Vomiting Weakness Consult your doctor for other possible side effects.

Precautions Kidney impairment is the major toxicity seen with Vistide use. To minimize potential toxicity to the kidneys, the patient should receive intravenous prehydration with normal saline and probenecid prior to receiving Vistide intravenously. Monitor kidney functions (using urinalysis and serum creatinine) and white blood cell counts closely during therapy. Be aware of potential drug interactions that involve probenecid (since it is given along with cidofovir). For more information, see probenecid in the Drug Library. Cidofovir should only be administered intravenously. Do not use it in or near the eyes. Do not use cidofovir in those with a known hypersensitivity to probenecid or any sulfa drugs. Vistide is not a cure for CMV retinitis. It may progress with treatment. HIV infected patients who are receiving antiretroviral therapy with zidovudine (e.g. Retrovir) should discontinue their zidovudine therapy (or decrease the

dose by 50%) on those days they receive their cidofovir. Note that probenecid will reduce the metabolic clearance of zidovudine. Cidofovir is considered pregnancy category C. Use in pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies risk to fetus. Discuss this with your doctor. Should only be used to treat CMV retinitis in individuals who are HIV positive. Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication.

corticosteroid:

Corticosteroids represent a large group of medications that stop inflammation. Many of these are available as pills or injections. Corticosteroids are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Topical corticosteroids such as creams and ointments are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin conditions.

Names Betamethasone, Cortisone, Deltasone, Depo-Medrol, Depomedrone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortone, Medralone, Medrol, Meprolone, Methylprednisolone, Meticorten, Orasone, Pediapred, Predalone, Predate, Predcor, Prednisone, Solu-Cortef, Solu-Medrol, Solurex, Sterapred, Triamcinolone, Tricilone

Side Effects Cataracts Delayed wound healing Elation Excess hair growth Gastrointestinal bleeding High blood pressure

Increased appetite Insomnia Irritation in the lining of the stomach Swelling Stomach ulcers Weakness Weakening of the bones Weakening of the immune system Consult your doctor for other possible side effects.

Precautions Most side effects and interactions occur with oral forms. Use with alcohol can increase risk of stomach ulcers. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Corticosteroids may interact with a wide variety of medications such as: Carbamazepine Clarithromycin Cyclosporine Diabetes medications Digoxin Diuretics Erythromycin Ketoconazole Phenylbutazone Phenytoin Primidone

Rifampin Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication.

3-Corticosteroid eye drop:

A-DEXAMETHASON:Dexamethasone is a steroid medication used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Dexamethasone is available in oral, inhaled (nasal and lung), and injectable forms Names Dexamethasone, Decadron, Decaject, Desone, Dexpak, Solurex

Side Effects Acne Anxiety Bruising Depression Dizziness Headache Increased hair growth Insomnia Upset stomach Vomiting

Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication.

Precautions These products contain sulfites. Those hypersensitive to sulfite preservatives should not use this product. Severe allergic reactions to this medication have been reported (see sulfites mentioned above). Abrupt stopping of long term (weeks to months) steroid use can lead to adrenal gland insufficiency. Steroid medication should be withdrawn with a slowly decreasing dosage schedule (see your doctor). Should not be used by breast-feeding mothers, can lead to infant growth suppression. Caution when used in patients with tuberculosis. Live vaccines, such as smallpox, should not be administered while on high doses of this medication. Use with aspirin can increase dexamethasone effect. Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication. B-FLOUROMETHOLONE:Fluorometholone is a steroid medicine that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Fluorometholone ophthalmic is used in the treatment of eye swelling that is caused by infections, injury, surgery, or other conditions.

Names Fluorometholone ophthalmic, Fluorometholone, Flarex, Fluor-Op, Fml Forte, Fml Liquifilm, Fml S.O.P.

Side Effects Blurred vision Eye irritation

Eye pain Increased sensitivity to light Mild burning Mild itching Severe headache Sudden eye irritation Sudden vision changes Consult your doctor for other possible side effects.

Precautions Do not take this medication if you have: A fungal eye infection A viral eye infection Tuberculosis Any type of untreated infection Tell your doctor if you have herpes Pregnancy category C Be aware of and follow warnings regarding allergic reactions. Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication. C-PREDNISOLONE:Prednisolone is a corticosteroid medicine similar to the steroid cortisol produced in the human adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are useful to reduce inflammation in a wide variety of inflammatory disease, such asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendinitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.

Names Articulose, Deltasolone, Hydeltrasol, Key-Pred 25, Pediapred, Predalone, Predcor 25, Prednisolone, Predsol

Side Effects Cataracts Compression fractures Fluid retention Hypertension Impaired wound healing Manifestations of diabetes Menstrual irregularities Muscle weakness Pancreatitis Peptic ulcers Seizures Swelling Consult your doctor for other possible side effects.

Precautions Corticosteroid therapy can mask the signs of infection and decrease the immunity to infection. Potassium supplementation may be necessary. Should not receive any immunizations while on steroid medications (particularly smallpox or attenuated virus vaccines). Use with aspirin can increase steroid effect. Use with antihistamines can decrease prednisone effect. Use with alcohol or nicotine can increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication.

D-RIMEXOLONE:Ophthalmic steroid drops or ointment are used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions of the eye (allergic conjunctivitis, corneal injury, inflammation of the iris, and keratoconjunctivitis).

Names AK-Pred, Baldex, Betnesol, Cetapred, Cortamed, Decadron, Econopred, Hms Liquifilm, Inflamase, Ocu-Pred, Ophtho-Tate, Pred Forte, Predair, Steroid Eye Drops, Vexol

Side Effects Acne Cataracts Cough Cushing's syndrome Diabetes Gastrointestinal irritations GI bleeding Increased susceptibility to infections Insomnia (cannot sleep at night) Nervousness Oral thrush Osteoporosis Restlessness Consult your doctor for other possible side effects.

Precautions Must be used with caution in those with cataracts, eye infections, glaucoma, diabetes, or viral infections.

Use with anticholinergics can result in increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma). Use with contact lenses increases the risk of infection. Watch for signs of hypersensitivity; itching of the lids, constant burning, or swelling. Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause in infection in your eye. Do not use an eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application. Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication.

4-ALLERGY MEDICATION for atopic keratoconjunctivi tis:

A-Topical antihistamines for keratoconjunctivitis:Antihistamine drugs work

by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance that can cause allergic symptoms. Some antihistamines are available without a prescription, but most of the second generation antihistamines can only be obtained if prescribed by your doctor.

Antihistamines should not be used in those with: Narrow angle glaucoma Anyone who is taking a MAO inhibitor medication (may cause a serious drug interaction) A woman who may be breastfeeding

Examples Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromphen, Dimetane, Nasahist), chlorpheniramine (ChlorTrimeton), clemastine (Allerhist, Tavist), cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), Levocetirizine (Xyzal) B-Cromolyn ophthalmic:Cromolyn is used in the treatment of

allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. Also thought to decrease asthma attacks brought on by exertion. (Opticrom) and (Vistacrom) are 2-4% ophthalmic solutions (eyedrops) used for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Cromolyn available in oral or inhaler form.

Names Cromolyn, Cromogen, Easi-Breathe, Fivent, Opticrom, Vistacrom, Nasalcrom

Side Effects Anaphylaxis Dizziness Drowsiness Headache Increased frequency of urination Joint swelling or pain Lip or facial swelling Nasal congestion Nausea Pain with urination Rash Throat irritation Welts Consult your doctor for other possible side effects.

Precautions Do not use powdered form of cromolyn if you are allergic to lactose or milk products. Not for use in acute asthma attacks.

Consult your doctor for a list of other drugs that could interact with this medication.