A patient currently using an ophthalmic mast cell stabilizer for an allergic eye disorder continues to complain of unremitting symptoms despite 4 weeks of therapy.What disease entity must be excluded?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's continued symptoms despite mast cell stabilizer use suggest that the underlying cause may not be allergy-related. Herpes keratitis is a viral infection that can present with symptoms similar to allergic eye disorders, and can be exacerbated by the use of mast cell stabilizers. It is important to exclude this possibility with further evaluation and diagnostic testing. Acute open-angle glaucoma and gonococcal keratitis typically present with more severe symptoms such as eye pain, redness, and decreased vision, and would usually require urgent intervention. Macular degeneration is a chronic condition that can cause gradual loss of central vision, but is not typically associated with allergy-related symptoms.

A Patient Currently Using an Ophthalmic Mast Cell Stabilizer for an Allergic