Abstract

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis, causing eye inflammation and redness, requires effective treatment with alcaftadine 0.25% and olopatadine 0.2% eye drops.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of alcaftadine and olopatadine ophthalmic medications in mild-to-moderate allergic conjunctivitis.

Materials and Methods: A prospective, open-label, comparative study of 60 patients randomized into two study groups of 30 patients each. Each group was assigned to receive either olopatadine or alcaftadine ophthalmic solutions. Patients were followed through at regular intervals with a reduction of signs and symptoms documented using total ocular symptom scoring (TOSS) and hyperemia scale systems.

Results: Baseline (1st visit) mean TOSS scores for the alcaftadine group and olopatadine groups were (6.12±1.92) and (6.32±1.80), respectively, as compared to the corresponding TOSS scores on 14th Day (4th visit) which were (0.5±0.11) and (0.9±0.40), respectively. The resolution of conjunctival symptoms in the alcaftadine group was significantly profoundly as comparison to olopatadine group (P = 0.004). Baseline (1st visit) mean hyperemia scores for alcaftadine group and olopatadine groups were (2.1±1.71) and (2.2±1.52), respectively, as comparison to the corresponding hyperemia scores on 14th day (4th visit) which were (0.08±0.01) and (0.6±0.32), respectively. The resolution of hyperemia symptoms in the alcaftadine group was significantly profound as compared to the olopatadine group (P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Two topical medications utilized in the study were effective and safe for the therapy of allergic conjunctivitis. However, alcaftadine appears to surpass olopatadine in alleviating the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis while having a lower side effect profile.

Key words: Alcaftadine; Olopatadine; Hyperemia Scale; Allergic Conjunctivitis; Total Ocular Symptom Score