American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Which is not a common treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?

Topical antihistamines
Oral steroids
Artificial tears
Topical antihistamines

The correct answer is: Oral steroids

In the management of allergic conjunctivitis, the primary goal is to alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and watering of the eyes. Common treatments include topical antihistamines, which directly target histamine receptors in the conjunctiva to relieve itching and redness, and artificial tears, which help to wash away allergens and provide lubrication to the eyes, reducing discomfort. Oral steroids, while effective in reducing inflammation in certain conditions, are not commonly used for allergic conjunctivitis due to potential side effects and the acute nature of the condition. Systemic corticosteroids are more reserved for severe allergic reactions or other conditions that require broader immunosuppression, rather than being a first-line treatment for localized allergic symptoms such as those seen in conjunctivitis. Therefore, the use of oral steroids is not a common treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, distinguishing it from the other options listed, which are standard practices in managing this type of eye allergy.