What is olopatadine used for?

• A. Allergic conjunctivitis
• B. Bacterial keratitis
• C. Glaucoma
• D. Dry eye

Answer: (A)

Olopatadine is an ophthalmic antihistamine that also acts as a mast cell stabilizer. It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors and preventing mast cells from releasing inflammatory mediators, which are responsible for itching, redness, and tearing in the eye. This makes it especially effective for allergic conjunctivitis, including seasonal and perennial forms, where itching is a prominent symptom.

It isn’t used for bacterial keratitis because that condition is an infection requiring antibiotics, not anti-allergy medication. It isn’t for glaucoma, since it doesn’t affect intraocular pressure. And while it may provide relief of itch, it isn’t a primary treatment for dry eye, which is a tear- film deficiency issue treated with lubricants or other tear- replacement therapies.