Efficacy of intranasal corticosteroids on the ocular symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent allergic disease. AR seriously affects the quality of life of patients who suffer from this condition, and it also affects their professional and social activities. Ocular symptoms represent a major component of AR and their importance is often underestimated. The pathophysiology of the ocular symptoms of AR has been studied extensively over the last decade. Intranasal corticosteroids are without a doubt effective in alleviating these ocular symptoms. Mometasone furoate and fluticasone furoate nasal sprays, in particular, are two new topically-active corticosteroids whose efficacy on ocular symptoms has been demonstrated in prospective studies in patients with seasonal and/or perennial AR. Drug treatment of AR can therefore be based on the administration of intranasal corticosteroid which, when combined with allergen avoidance and eye washes, should provide optimal benefit while minimizing cost and pharmaceutical risks. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.