BJO at a glance
TREATING SEASONAL ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS WITH KETOTIFEN
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or hay fever conjunctivitis is a hypersensitivity reaction to specific airborne allergens, mainly pollens. It has a high prevalence rate and can be quite uncomfortable for the affected patient. A number of new topical treatments have been developed recently. Ketotifen blocks histamine H1 receptors, stabilises mass cells and prevents eosinophil accumulation. Kidd and coworkers report a double masked randomised multicentre trial conducted in Australia. In this study ketotifen 0.025% ophthalmic solution was well tolerated and effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and in preventing recurrences. It consistently was most efficacious in comparison with a placebo and levocabastine. See p 1206
CAN CORNEAL GRAFTING IN CHILDREN BE SUCCESSFUL?
Successful restoration of vision with paediatric penetrating keratoplasty has only been achieved in the past two decades. In children the potential for post-surgical anterior segment inflammation that may accelerate graft rejection has been seen as …
