[Incidence of hypersensitivity to antibiotics and preservatives in eye drops].

PURPOSE

To elaborate a set of contact allergens present in eye drops which could precipitate allergic conjunctivitis. Such set has not been yet described in literature.

METHODS

Basing on the most frequently used preparations, a set of 15 different substances: drugs and preservatives, was prepared to test the patients.

RESULTS

Among the 97 persons who underwent the testing, positive results were observed in 35.5%. The hypersensitivity was found for 11 of the allergens, the most often for neomycin, gentamycin, merthiolate, benzalkonium chloride, and then consecutively for kanamycin, sulfathiazole, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, penicillin, boric acid and parabens.