In treating ocular allergy, ECPs reach first for combo products

In a poll fielded to Optometry Times and Ophthalmology Times readers, we asked both ODs and MDs what they used for first-line therapy for allergy patients.

View the poll here

A total of 371 responses were tallied. The multiple-choice poll answers included:

• Mast-cell stabilizers (Alamast, Alocril, cromolyn sodium)

• Combination products (Lastacaft, Optivar, Bepreve, Elestat, Pazeo)

• Avoidance therapy and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies (artificial tears, cold compresses, Zaditor, neti rinse)

• Steroids (Alrex, Lotemax, Pred Mild, FML)

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The majority of respondents look to combination products to address ocular allergy with 46 percent choosing them first.

Avoidance therapy and OTC remedies were second choice, but the choice was not close. Only 31 percent of respondents use these as first-line therapy for allergy.

After another sharp drop, mast-cell stabilizers comes in third with 13 percent of respondents reaching for them first.

Related: New ocular allergy drug’s MOA targets inflammation

Following right behind for fourth place, steroids close out the results at 11 percent.

Related: How to identify and treat allergic eye disease