[Side effects of external ophthalmologic drugs].

43 patients with suspected adverse reactions to ophthalmic medicaments were tested using three different methods: normal patch test on back skin (ENH), patch test on stripped back skin (HSA) and on scarified skin of the forearm (SKT). The ENH was positive in only 9 patients (20.0%) with one of the used preparations whereas on stripped skin positive reactions were observed in another 14 patients (32.6%). The SKT was solely positive in 10 patients (23.7%). Clinical relevance of these test results has been ascertained in most cases. However, reactions on stripped skin as well as on scarified skin may be false positive. The antibiotics neomycin and gentamicin were the major allergens (13.9% and 9.3%). Some ophthalmic medicaments produced rather severe irritant reactions on scarified skin, confirmed by a positive conjunctival exposure test. In order to detect weak sensitizations or cumulative irritant reactions in patients with long term use of eye medicaments, the application of a method with increased sensitivity such as the patch test on stripped skin or the scarification technique is recommended.