Doubtful value of patch testing for suspected contact allergy to ophthalmic products.

Sir, Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common cause of peri-orbital eczema (1). It may be caused by allergens brought in contact with the eyelids by hand transfer (like toluene sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin in nail polishes), by airborne contact (like sesquiterpene lactones) or, most frequently, by direct application of cosmetics or topical ophthalmic medicaments. The percentage of sensitization due to cosmetics, such as moisturizing creams or eye-shadows, is estimated to range from 2.5% to 26% (2, 3). However, topical ophthalmic drugs, eye drops and contact lens solutions play a considerable role too. We studied 62 patients with eyelid dermatitis, closely related to the use of topical ocular products, with the aim of discerning the role of ophthalmic products in eyelid allergic contact dermatitis.