Relationship between Foxp3-3279 （rs376158） Polymorphism and Dust Mite Allergic Conjunctivitis

Purpose： To investigate the genotyping of Foxp3-3279 （A/ C,rs376158） genes in patients with dust mite-induced allergic conjunctivitis from Guangdong province and to explore the association between these genes and the susceptibility to dust mite allergic conjunctivitis. Methods： In total, 80 patients with dust mite allergic con- junctivitis and 103 healthy Han Chinese were enrolled in the study and received genotyping of Foxp3-3279 （A/C,rs376158） by PCR-SSP technique. Results： Genotype frequency of Foxp3-3279 AA, CA, and CC in patients with dust mite allergic conjunctivitis were 1.25%, 25.00% and 73.75%,respectively. Gene frequency of C and A in patients with dust mite allergic conjunctivitis were 86.25% and 13.75% with no significant difference from healthy coun- terparts （both/9〉0.05）.     

Efficacy of Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops Combined with Yupingfeng Granules in the Treatment of Allergic Conjunc- tivitis

Purpose： To observe the clinical efficacy of sodium cro- moglicate eye drops combined with Yupingfeng granules in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods： A total of 118 patients with allergic conjunctivitis were randomly divided into a combined sodium cromoglicate and YupingfengGranule （treatment） group （n=74） and a sodium cromoglicate （control） group （n=44）. Clinical effica- cy of the two treatments was evaluated by observing the changes in patients＇ symptoms and physical signs before and after their respective treatments. Results： Following treatment, the symptoms and physical signs related to allergic conjunctivitis were significantly allevi- ated in all 118 cases. The total efficacy of the combined sodi- um cromoglicate and Yupingfeng granule treatment was 91.9%, which was significantly higher than the value of 75.0% obtained with sodium cromoglicate alone （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Combined therapy of sodium cromoglicate eye drops and Yupingfeng granules had a high efficacy and no significant adverse reactions. Therefore, this treatment deserves to be considered for wide application in clinical settings.     

Semaphorin 3A controls allergic and inflammatory responses in experimental allergic conjunctivitis

AIM: To assess the efficacy of topical Semaphorin-3A (SEMA3A) in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. METHODS: Experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) mice model induced by short ragweed pollen (SRW) in 4-week-old of BALB/c mice, mice were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunofluorescence and light microscope photographs. Early phase took the samples in 24h after instillation and late phase took the samples between 4 to 14d after the start of treatment. The study use of topical SEMA3A (10 U, 100 U, 1000 U) eye drops and subconjunctival injection of SEMA3A with same concentration. For comparison, five types of allergy eyedrops were quantified using clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Clinical score of composite ocular symptoms of the mice treated with SEMA3A were significantly decreased both in the immediate phase and the late phase compared to those treated with commercial ophthalmic formulations and non-treatment mice. SEMA3A treatment attenuates infiltration of eosinophils entering into conjunctiva in EAC mice. The score of eosinophil infiltration in the conjunctiva of SEMA3A 1000 U-treated group were significantly lower than low-concentration of SEMA3A treated groups and non-treated group. SEMA3A treatment also suppressed T-cell proliferation in vitro and decreased serum total IgE levels in EAC mice. Moreover, Treatment of SEMA3A suppressed Th2-related cytokines (IL-5, IL-13 and IL-4) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNF-α) release, but increased regulatory cytokine IL-10 concentration in the conjunctiva of EAC mice. CONCLUSIONS: SEMA3A as a biological agent, showed the beneficial activity in ocular allergic processes with the less damage to the intraocular tissue. It is expected that SEMA3A may be contributed in patients with a more severe spectrum of refractory ocular allergic diseases including allergic conjunctivitis in the near future.     

Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis: risk factors, clinical course, and visual outcome in 13 patients

AIM:To analyze the risk factors,ophthalmological features,treatment modalities and their effect on the visual outcome in patients with endogenous fungal endophthalmitis(EFE).METHODS:Data retrieved from the medical files included age at presentation to the uveitis clinic,gender,ocular symptoms and their duration before presentation,history of fever,eye affected,anatomical diagnosis and laboratory evidence of fungal infection.Medical therapy recorded included systemic antifungal therapy and its duration,use of intravitreal antifungal agents and use of oral/intravitreal steroids.Surgical procedures and the data of ophthalmologic examination at presentation and at last follow-up were also collected.RESULTS:Included were 13 patients(20 eyes,mean age 58 y).Ten patients presented after gastrointestinal or urological interventions and two presented after organ transplantation.In one patient,there was no history of previous intervention.Diagnostic vitrectomy was performed in 16 eyes(80%)and vitreous cultures were positive in 10 of the vitrectomized eyes(62.5%).In only 4 patients(31%),blood cultures were positive.All patients received systemic antifungal therapy.Sixteen eyes(80%)received intravitreal antifungal agent with voriconazole being the most commonly used.Visual acuity(VA)improved from 0.9±0.9 at initial exam to 0.5±0.8 logMAR at last followup(P=0.03).A trend of greater visual improvement was noted in favor of eyes treated with oral steroids(±intravitreal dexamethasone)than eyes that were not treated with steroids.The most common complication was maculopathy.Twelve eyes(60%)showed no ocular complications.CONCLUSION:High index of suspicion in patients with inciting risk factors is essential because of the low yield of blood cultures and the good general condition of patients at presentation.Visual prognosis is improved with the prompt institution of systemic and intravitreal pharmacotherapy and the immediate surgical intervention.Oral±local steroids could be considered in cases of prolonged or marked inflammatory responses in order to hasten control of inflammation and limit ocular complications.     

Comparison of early changes in ocular surface markers and tear inflammatory mediators after femtosecond lenticule extraction and FS-LASIK

AIM:To compare the short-term impacts of femtosecond lenticule extraction(FLEx)and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)on ocular surface measures and tear inflammatory mediators.METHODS:This prospective comparative nonrandomized clinical study comprised 75 eyes(75 patients).Totally 20 male and 15 female patients(age 21.62±3.25 y)with 35 eyes underwent FLEx,and 26 male and 14 female patients(age 20.18±3.59 y)with 40 eyes underwent FS-LASIK.Central corneal sensitivity,noninvasive tear breakup time,corneal fluorescein staining,Schirmer I test,tear meniscus height,and ocular surface disease index were evaluated in all patients.Tear concentrations of nerve growth factor(NGF),interleukin-1α(IL-1α),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)were assessed by multiplex antibody microarray.All measurements were performed preoperatively,and 1 d,1 wk,and 1 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:Patients who underwent FLEx exhibited a more moderate reduction in central corneal sensation and less corneal fluorescein staining than those in the FS-LASIK group 1 wk after the procedure(P<0.01).NGF was significantly higher 1 d and 1 wk after surgery in the FS-LASIK group than in the FLEx group(P<0.01).By contrast,compared to those in the FLEx group,higher postoperative values and slower recovery of tear TGF-β1,IL-1α,and TNF-αconcentrations were observed in the FS-LASIK group(P<0.01).Tear concentrations of NGF,TGF-β1,TNF-α,and IL-1αwere correlated with ocular surface changes after FLEx or FS-LASIK surgery.CONCLUSION:There is less early ocular surface disruption and a reduced inflammatory response after FLEx than after FS-LASIK.NGF,TGF-β1,TNF-α,and IL-1αmay contribute to the process of ocular surface recovery.     

Effects of perioperative managements on ocular surface microbiota in intravitreal injection patients

AIM:To investigate the effects of on ocular surface microbiota in patients who received intravitreal injections.METHODS:Samples of ocular surface microbiota were obtained from 41 eyes of 41 patients who visited the Department of Ophthalmology.Patients were separated for three groups.Group A did not receive perioperative managements or intravitreal injection.Group B1 received only once and B2 received more than twice.In operating room,the samples were collected on the ocular surface.Operating taxonomic units(OTUs) clustering and alpha/beta diversity analysis was performed.The microbial 16S rRNA from samples were analyzed using the Hi Seq 2500 platform.RESULTS:Alpha diversity did not differ in each group,and beta diversity differed in the B2 group.Beta diversity showed a significant difference between Group A and B2(P=0.048).With the perioperative managements before intravitreal injection,the composition and relative abundance were altered.Top 10 microbiota on phylum and genus level,and then microbiota notably changed at genus level were listed.Gram-negative bacteria were varied more.Furthermore,Proteus was not found in Groups A and B1,but it was appeared after the patients received perioperative management and intravitreal injections in Group B2.CONCLUSION:With the perioperative managements,the balance of microbiota on the ocular surface is destroyed,and relative composition and abundance of microbiota on the ocular surface is obviously altered.The clinical doctors should pay more attention on the consequence of perioperative managements before intravitreal injection.     

Clinical observations of acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy in a real-world setting

AIM: To describe the clinical features of acute myopic onset of optic neuropathy and observe the effects of retrobulbar and systemic glucocorticoid therapy in a realworld setting.METHODS: A retrospective observational case series included 18 patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy in a real-world setting. While the patients were using retrobulbar and systemic glucocorticoid therapy, various imaging examination data were analysed, and the clinical features of myopic optic neuropathy were summarized for 6 mo to 2 y. RESULTS: The included group of patients with acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy consisted mostly of females(n=11). The visual field(VF) showed abnormalities in bilateral eyes, including the spread of physiological blind spots, central and paracentral dark spots, and centripetal peripheral VF reduction;but central vision with no subjective changes. The visual evoked potential(VEP) was abnormal in all eyes with vision loss. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) was improved from 1.04±0.63 to 0.47±0.57(log MAR) af ter glucocor ticoid treatment(P<0.05). In patients with a short course(within 1 wk), recovery was fast and achieved the same BCVA as recorded before the onset within 6 d. However, in patients with the long course(1 to 2 wk), recovery was slow and did not achieve the BCVA recorded before the onset within 10 d. The changes of intraocular pressure(IOP) were not obvious before and after treatment(18.68±5.30 vs 19.55±5.34 mm Hg, P>0.05). There was no recurrence during long-term followup observation.CONCLUSION: The acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy is characterized by BCVA and VF abnormalities in bilateral eyes. Retrobulbar and systemic glucocorticoid therapy is effective.     

Reconstruction of complex orbital fracture with titanium implants

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of complex orbital fracture reconstruction with titanium implants. METHODS: A retrospective review of 46 patients treated with complex orbital fractures reconstruction using titanium implants from January 2005 to December 2008 was conducted. The following data were recorded: age, gender, mechanism of injury, preoperative and postoperative orbital CT, visual acuity, diplopia, ocular motility and Hertel exophthalmometer. RESULTS: The most common cause was motor vehicle accident (47.8%), followed by industrial injury (30.4%). All patients had improved appearance after operation and CT scan at one week after operation showed the fracture defects of orbit and neighboring areas had been reconstructed. Forty-six cases had various degrees of enophthalmos before operation. Among them, 32 cases were completely corrected, 11 cases improved obviously and 3 cases had no improvement after operation. Thirty-six patients with visual acuity ≥20/60 revealed diplopia of various degrees, including 26 patients had diplopia in right ahead and/or reading positions. At the sixth month after operation, diplopia disappeared in five patients, 7 patients still had diplopia in right ahead and/or reading positions, 14 patients had diplopia in positions rather than right ahead and reading positions (<20°) and ten patients had diplopia only at peripheral gazing (>20°). All patients had various degrees of ocular motility disorders before operation. At the sixth month after operation, eyeball movement disorder disappeared in 9 patients, 31 patients showed improvement and 6 patients had no improvement. Complications of implant infection, rejection and displacement were not reported after operation. CONCLUSION: The application of titanium implants in the repair of complex orbital fractures greatly improves the appearance and functional results, which is a favorable material for plastic surgery of complex orbital fracture.     

Conjunctival provocation test with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis from house mites]

INTRODUCTION: Perennial conjunctivitis due to house dust mites is the most frequent form of allergic conjunctivitis in urban environments. However, its diagnosis remains difficult for ophthalmologists. In this study, we evaluated a conjunctival provocation test (CPT) using standardized extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) and compared it to the diagnostic methods commonly performed in allergology: prick tests with dust and house dust mites and specific and IgE assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a CPT on 60 volunteer patients, between the ages of 8 and 64 years, corresponding to 30 patients sensitized to house dust mites with the presence of specific IgE and chronic conjunctivitis, 21 patients not sensitized to house dust mites but presenting features of chronic conjunctivitis, and 9 asymptomatic patients. A house dust mite desensitizing treatment was not an exclusion criterion for a number of allergic patients. CPTs were prepared from Dpt allergenic extracts (Laboratoires Stallergènes, Antony, France) with 5 progressive concentrations by dilution in a nonphenolic physiological solution: 1.2 RI, 3.7 RI, 11 RI, 33 RI, and 100 RI. CPTs were performed in only one eye and asymmetry of the ocular response was evaluated by the cumulative clinical score of Abelson Chambers and Smith. The correlation between the 2 diagnostic tests was established by calculating the Cohen correlation coefficient or kappa. We also evaluated the sensitivity and diagnostic specificity for each test. RESULTS: The statistical correlation between specific IgE and the other allergological tests in for allergic conjunctivitis to house dust mites was 0.93 for the CPT, 0.46 for the prick test to Dpt, and 0.33 for the prick test to dust. The diagnostic sensitivities and specificities for each test were 90% and 100% for the CPT, 60% and 70% for the prick test to dust, 70% and 76% for prick test to Dpt, respectively. Beyond an antigenic cut-off value of 11 RI, we also observed greater hypersensitivity reactions for patients with lacrimal IgE or elevated specific IgE levels. CONCLUSION: The results obtained with the CPT confirm its high antigenic quality. It is a particularly useful, rapid, and perfectly safe clinical test. It is the only test able to establish a relationship between ocular manifestations and specific I(8)E.     

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis induced by Japanese pear pollen.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular findings in patients with Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) pollinosis. METHODS: Twenty-two farmers working on artificial pollination in Japanese pear orchards were examined for ocular itching, conjunctival conditions, presence of eosinophils in the conjunctival specimen, and nasal symptoms. Serum IgE antibody to Japanese pear pollen was determined in 16 farmers. RESULTS: Of the 22 subjects, 3 (Nos. 3, 4, and 13) exhibited ocular itching, conjunctival hyperemia, eosinophils in the conjunctival specimen, and positive serum IgE antibodies to Japanese pear pollen. In these patients, the conjunctivitis disappeared after treatment with topical cromoglycate. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that seasonal allergic conjunctivitis may be induced by Japanese pear pollen (entomophilous flower pollen).     

The antiallergic eye drops "polynadyme": development, experimental and clinical studies

The antiallergic eye drops "Polynadyme", proposed by the Helmgolz Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases, have been prepared by the "Sintez" PJSC (Kurgan). The drops exert a combination of antihistaminic and vasoconstrictive effects and, for better tolerability, contain a low-toxic preserving complex. The drops are polymer-based, which ensures a long action and an artificial tear effect. Preclinical rabbit trials have shown the safety of the "Polynadyme" eye drops, their specific activity in preventing an allergic reaction, and their antiallergic effect on a model of allergic conjunctivitis. Comparative clinical trials covering 150 patients have yielded excellent and good results in 93% of cases. In acute allergic reactions, hyperemia, itch, and burning diminished just 5 minutes after administration. The "Polynadyme" eye drops are effective in treating pollinous conjunctivitis, spring (vernal) keratoconjunctivitis, allergic reactions when wearing contact lenses, the dry eye syndrome, drug-induced and toxicoallergic conjunctivitis, and other ocular allergic reactions.     

儿童过敏性结膜炎与变应性疾病的相关性

目的评价儿童过敏性结膜炎与变应性鼻炎、哮喘及湿疹的相关性。方法对2005年9月～2006年9月在本院就诊的407例儿童过敏性结膜炎进行回顾性分析。对其鼻炎、哮喘、湿疹以及父母的过敏性疾病进行问卷式调查。对其中256例患者利用酶联吸附试验进行血清总IgE和特异性IgE分析。结果407例过敏性结膜炎中分别有292例(占71.7%)、376例(占92.4%)和115例(占28.2%)同时患有湿疹、鼻炎和哮喘,合并鼻炎者明显高于合并湿疹和哮喘者(P<0.05)。256例血清总IgE和特异性IgE检测中,吸入组230例中有228例(99.1%)总IgE呈阳性,食入组200例中198例(99.0%)总IgE呈阳性;吸入性过敏原以螨和屋尘为主,食入性过敏原以鱼、蟹、虾为主。慢性过敏性结膜炎的过敏原主要是螨、屋尘和鱼,与急性过敏性结膜炎的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。而急性过敏性结膜炎的过敏原主要是花粉和蒿草,与慢性过敏性结膜炎差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论儿童过敏性结膜炎常与鼻炎、哮喘及湿疹同时发病,单独发病较少,其中儿童过敏性结膜炎与鼻炎发病尤为密切,故在儿童期联合治疗两种疾病将对防治鼻炎和过敏性结膜炎的发生...     

Relation Between Total Tear IgE and Severity of Acute Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Purpose: Measurement of total tear immunoglobulin E (IgE) is useful for the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, but it is still unknown whether measurement of total tear IgE is useful for assessment of the severity of allergic conjunctivitis. We evaluated the relation between the total IgE level in tears and objective signs of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized, and cross-sectional study was conducted in 84 patients with allergic conjunctivitis (allergic group) and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (control group). The total tear IgE score was obtained with the Allerwatch(?) test (0, 1, and 2), and ten severity scores (0, 1, 2, 3) were determined for objective ocular findings of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, as well as limbal and corneal lesions. Results: The scores for total tear IgE and each of the objective ocular findings were higher in the allergic group than in the control group (all p < 0.01). The total tear IgE score was correlated with the severity of each clinical feature of allergic conjunctivitis (p < 0.01), except for corneal epithelial damage in the allergic group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the severity of giant papillae was the most important indicator of the total tear IgE score (odds ratio = 1.33, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The total tear IgE score was correlated with the scores for objective signs of allergic conjunctivitis. This rapid test for total IgE in tear fluid is easy to perform and could be used to assess the severity of allergic conjunctivitis on an outpatient basis.     

Serum allergen specific immunoglobulin E levels in patients with allergic conjunctivitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate serum allergen specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in patients with various types of allergic conjunctivitis. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), 17 patients with perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC), and 10 patients with vernal conjunctivitis (VC) were included in the study. Specific IgE levels to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), mixed grass pollens, and animal epithelia were measured using Pharmacia CAP system (Pharmacia Diagnostic AB, Uppsala, Sweden). RESULTS: The percentage of subjects with specific IgE against Dp and Df was statistically higher in VC (30%) compared to PAC (5.9%) and SAC (0%) (p=0.03). Specific IgE against mixed grass pollens was found in 30% of VC and 40% of SAC, whereas 10% of VC and 8% of SAC patients were found to be hypersensitive to animal epithelia. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic reaction against house dust mites and pollens was common in VC, whereas specific IgE against grass pollens was remarkable in SAC. IgE levels specific to various antigens might be measured by UNICAP system, which is a rapid and practical technology.     

舌下含服粉尘螨滴剂治疗变应性鼻炎疗效及安全性评估

目的探讨舌下含服粉尘螨滴剂治疗以尘螨过敏为主合并多种变应原过敏的变应性鼻炎（AR）的疗效及安全性。方法采用病例自身对照方法,对122例AR患者,使用粉尘螨滴剂舌下特异性免疫治疗,对完成治疗1年的患者症状、体征积分进行统计,与治疗前的症状、体征积分进行比较,观察药物的疗效及不良反应。结果93例患者完成1年以上的舌下免疫治疗（SLIT）,治疗1年后的症状、体征积分（10．58±2．60）较治疗前症状、体征积分（3．88±2．45）明显减少,差异有统计学意义。结论舌下含服标准化粉尘螨滴剂可以明显改善对尘螨或合并多种变应原过敏的AR患者鼻部症状和体征,用于治疗以尘螨过敏为主合并多种变应原过敏的AR临床有疗效,安全性较高,值得临床推广。     

Allergens in Japanese patients with allergic conjunctivitis in autumn

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the relation between various specific class E immunoglobulins (IgE) in the serum and allergic conjunctivitis in autumn. METHODS: Total IgE and specific IgE to 12 inhalant allergens were measured using the CAP system in 32 patients with allergic conjunctivitis in spring (spring group), 27 patients with allergic conjunctivitis in autumn (autumn group), and 40 healthy volunteers (control group). RESULTS: Specific IgE levels caused by house dust, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and orchard grass were higher in the autumn group than in the spring group. The highest positivity rate for a specific allergen was 51.9% for house dust, followed by D. pteronyssinus(48.1%) in the autumn group, while the highest rate was 68.8 % for cedar pollen, followed by cypress pollen (59.4%) in the spring group. Correlation analysis showed that house dust was significantly correlated with animal epithelia, D. pteronyssinus, acarus, and Alternaria tenuis in the autumn group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that house dust is the main cause of allergic conjunctivitis during autumn. In spring, cypress pollen is the largest cause of allergic conjunctivitis, while indoor allergens such as house dust, animal epithelia, D. pteronyssinus, and acarus are not causative allergens in Japan.     

Chronic allergic conjunctivitis

Chronic allergic conjunctivitis (CAC) or perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) is the most frequent form of allergy of the conjunctiva that is encountered in Northern Europe, particularly in city areas. Itching, redness of the mucosa, swelling of the lids and tearing are the main symptoms. Seasonal factors and associated rhinitis are often noted. Symptoms may respond to antiallergic drugs. In contrast, there are generally no specific signs of the disease on slitlamp examination. Most of the time the mucosal aspect (papillary, follicular or atrophic type) is common to other forms of conjunctival allergy. Non-specific factors may predispose to the appearance of CAC, such as an intolerance to a contact lens, a local infection, or a trauma of the eye. Astigmatism, heterophoria and photosensitization may also be triggering agents for the appearance of symptoms of an authentic CAC in an atopic patient. The close association between allergic and non-specific factors may explain the possibility of unilateral forms of CAC and, most of all, the frequent association of CAC to other forms of chronic conjunctivitis. The diagnosis relies on good clinical evaluation of both symptoms and signs. Serum IgE levels are elevated in no more than 30% of cases while tear levels of IgE are more often pathological (over 50% of cases); skin-testing remains the best method for confirming the diagnosis. In most cases it indicates an allergy to house dust and/or mites. Elimination of the offending allergen is the first treatment in CAC. Antiallergic drugs are also effective, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, nedocromil sodium being very efficient in this respect. In cases where this kind of treatment cannot be pursued indefinitely, specific desensitization to house dust or mites is effective and induces a prompt resolution of symptoms, whereas signs will persist a long time. All non-specific factors associated with the allergy should also be carefully considered and treated, although results are better in pure rather than associated clinical forms of CAC.     

Topical Olopatadine in the Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of topical olopatadine versus placebo and other topical anti-allergic medications in treating allergic conjunctivitis.

Methods: We systematically searched the literature for randomized-controlled trials that included patients with allergic conjunctivitis, compared olopatadine versus placebo or alternative anti-allergic medications, and examined itch, conjunctival hyperemia, composite symptom or sign scores, and/or occurrence of adverse events. We assessed the safety and efficacy of topical olopatadine when compared with placebo or alternative anti-allergic medications using meta-analysis.

Results: When compared with placebo, topical olopatadine is associated with a pooled-mean difference (MD) in ocular itch of –1.33 (p < 0.00001) and ocular hyperemia of –0.92 (p < 0.00001). When compared with other agents, olopatadine was inferior to alcaftadine on ocular itch (pooled-MD = 0.39; p < 0.00001) but comparable with epinastine and ketotifen.

Conclusions: Topical olopatadine is a safe and effective treatment modality for allergic conjunctivitis, whereas alcaftadine appears to be superior to olopatadine in reducing ocular itch.