Comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of olopatadine and sodium cromoglycate eye drops

Abstract

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is the commonest ocular morbidity worldwide. Understanding of underlying mechanisms is important to choose the best therapy. Olopatadine with a wide spectrum has proven to be very effective in allergic conjunctivitis. Aim: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of olopatadine 0.2% eye drops once daily and olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% eye drops twice daily along with sodium cromoglycate in allergic conjunctivitis.Methods: This was a prospective, single centre study enrolling 304 patients with allergic conjunctivitis attending ophthalmology clinics. Subjects were assessed for ocular signs and symptoms at 3 visits-baseline, week 2, week 3. The change from baseline in the mean scores of itching and redness at 3 weeks was primary outcome variable.Results: The reduction in signs and symptoms were statistically significant in all the three groups (p <0.001). Both the olopatadine receiving groups were better than sodium cromoglycate receiving group in reducing ocular signs and symptoms by pairwise comparison by wilcoxon signed rank test. Conclusion: Olopatadine ophthalmic solution is better than sodium cromoglycate ophthalmic solution in reducing the ocular signs and symptoms in allergic conjunctivitis.