Which of the following is an example of allergies that can occur with brimonidine allergy?

• A. Eyelid edema
• B. Contact dermatitis
• C. Conjunctival hyperemia
• D. Follicular conjunctivitis

Answer: (D)

Brimonidine can trigger an allergic reaction on the eye, and the most telling allergic sign in this context is follicular conjunctivitis. This form features small follicles on the conjunctiva, reflecting an immune response to the drug (or its preservative) and is a classic presentation of ocular allergy. It’s more specific to an allergic process than simple redness or irritation, which can occur for nonallergic reasons.

Eyelid edema can occur with dermatitis around the eye, and conjunctival hyperemia is a common irritation or vasodilation effect, not uniquely allergic. Contact dermatitis describes a skin reaction of the eyelids, not the conjunctiva itself. So the finding most consistent with an allergic conjunctival response to brimonidine is follicular conjunctivitis. If this reaction is suspected, stopping brimonidine and switching to another agent is typically considered.