OCULAR MEDICATIONS IN CHILDREN

Many ocular medications are used by pediatricians or ophthalmologists caring for pediatric patients. Topical antibiotics are commonly prescr ibed for bacterial conjunctivitis, nasolacrimal duct obstructions, and ophthalmia neonatorum Many new antiallergy eye drops are now availabl e for the treatment of seasonal (hay fever) conjunctivitis. Dilating e ye drops and antiglaucoma medications are generally used or prescribed by ophthalmologists, but pediatricians must be aware of their potenti ally serious systemic side effects. Before initiating treatment, physi cians should evaluate the risks and benefits of ophthalmic medications , establish minimum dosages necessary to achieve a therapeutic benefit , and monitor children for local and systemic side effects.