Mnemonics: Allergic Conjunctivitis

Author: V. Dimov, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at University of Chicago
Reviewer: S. Randhawa, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at LSU (Shreveport) Department of Allergy and Immunology

Classification of Ocular Allergy: A SPA VGC

Allergic Conjunctivitis – 3:

AAC
SAC
PAC

Keratoconjunctivitis:

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), atopic dermatitis-related, lower eyelid
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), upper eyelid

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC), contact lenses-related, upper eyelid
Contact dermatoconjunctivitis

Medications for SAC and PAC

5 classes of topical drugs:

1. antihistamines
2. mast cell stabilizers, e.g. cromolyn
3. antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer combinations, e.g. olopatadine, ketotifen
4. steroids
5. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), e.g. ketorolac

Mnemonic for medications for SAC and PAC: MD VANS

Mast cell stabilizers
Dual-acting: antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer

Vasoconstrictors, not recommended
Antihistamines
NSAIDs, only ketorolac, not recommended
Steroids, only loteprednol, by ophthalmologist



Ocular antihistamines (eye drops) (click to enlarge the image).

Related reading

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis - NEJM images, 2012.

Published: 09/25/2008
Updated: 01/26/2012