Although a common cause of allergic reactions, topically applied ophthalmic drugs and contact lens solutions are seldom verified as such. This review documents reported allergens and suggests an 'ophthalmic tray', based on the literature search, to simplify patch test verification. The criteria for literature selection were that each patient had a history of allergic reaction to local application of ophthalmic drugs or contact lens solutions, and tested positive to putative allergen patch tests. We established 38 chemicals causing allergic reactions. 5 authors published suggestions for patch test trays.