Itching is a prominent symptom. Other symptoms and signs include ocular burning, foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, excess mucus production, and blurred vision. This is not a trivial disease. This disease requires careful involvement of an ophthalmologist, and patient care and treatment almost always involves the use of a topical mast cell stabilizing agent. Topical steroids may be required, briefly, during periods of major attack of the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is also a serious allergic eye disease with major blinding potential.
Ocular itch is the primary beginning symptom but foreign body sensation, ocular burning, excessive tearing, mucus production, and blurred vision generally eventually occur. The key to long-term success in controlling this condition is close control of the systemic allergic problem, the atopic dermatitis. A dermatologist, allergist, and ophthalmologist, probably need to participate collaboratively in the care of patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Environmental controls represent the most importance component to the care of individuals with this problem. Systemic antihistamine therapy, topical mast cell stabilizing therapy, episodic topical antihistamine therapy, and brief topical steroid therapy may all have their place in the care of patients with this extremely complex, potentially devastating disorder.