Comparative Study Between The Effectiveness And Associated Adverse Effects Of Olopatadine And Alcaftadine When Used In Treating Allergic Conjunctivitis In A Tertiary Eye Care Centre Of Northern India

Abstract

Background: Since the last decade, there has been an exponential rise in the allergic disorders¹.The highly prevalent ocular condition in clinical ophthalmology is ocular allergy. There are numerous factors contributing to its aetiology, including genetics, pollution of the air, exposure to the pets, etc. Since, a huge percentage of population requires the treatment of allergies, the treatment costs have increased³.Ocular conjunctivitis eventually causes blindness, if it remains untreated and unattended.

Methods: The study was an observer-masked, randomized, prospective, parallel-group study.  Signs and symptoms were graded using Total Ocular Symptom Scoring System (TOSS). All patients aged between 18 and 60 years belonging to either gender, with mild-to-moderate allergic conjunctivitis presenting to outpatient department. The statistical analysis was done using software OPenEPi and SPSS version 20. 

Results: Alcaftadine(0.25%) drops shows good final outcome with less adverse effects.  Both the drugs are safe and effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis, but it was seen that alcaftadine appears to be superior to olopatadine (0.1%) in reducing the signs and symptoms associated allergic conjunctivitis.

Conclusion: Once daily alcaftadine 0.25 % eye drop showed better outcome than twice daily olopatadine 0.1 % eye drop in relieving symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis at both 1 week and 1 month follow up. Both eye drops were found to be safe and effective.