Intranasal corticosteroids: Do they improve ocular allergy?

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) is a common allergic condition associated with high financial costs and decreased quality of life. Medical treatment options are extensive and include oral, ophthalmic, and intranasal agents. Intranasal corticosteroids (INS) have traditionally been used for chronic management of nasal symptoms, but have also demonstrated an impact on decreasing ocular symptoms of itching, tearing, and redness. Study design, including the method and timing of scoring ocular symptoms, is an important factor affecting whether changes in ocular symptoms are detected in INS clinical trials. INS are thought to exert their influence on the eye through the naso-ocular reflex, and to date their impact on ocular symptoms appears to be a class effect.