European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is a common allergic ocular disorder that leads to itching and discomfort. The current study is aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and therapeutic effects of 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride to that of 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution with different pharmacological mechanisms in the management of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Methods: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of n=100 cases were selected by convenient sampling; they were randomly and equally allotted into two groups. Group I (received 0.1% Olopatadine hydrochloride) and group II (received 0.5% Ketorolac tromethamine). All the patients underwent thorough ocular examination that included visual acuity, slit-lamp Bio-microscopy to evaluate conjunctival and corneal involvement. IOP was measured with a non-contact tonometer. Fundus examination was done using indirect ophthalmoscopy.
Results:  The comparison of improvement of itching scores at different intervals was done and the p-values were found to be significant at the interval of 30 minutes and 2 days. This shows that rapid improvement of symptoms was found in group I (Olopatadine) as compared to group II (Ketorolac). For improvement of hyperemia scores at different follow-up visits was done and the p-values were found to be significant at the interval of 30 minutes only and the values were not found to be significant at the 2^nd day and at the 7^th day. Both drugs are equally effective for hyperemia management at follow-up intervals.
Conclusion: The present study found 0.1% Olopatadine eyedrops were more effective and elicited quicker response as compared to 0.1% Ketorolac eye drops. The efficacy of both was similar at the end of 14 days of treatment. Minor side effects were observed in two patients of the Ketorolac group and no side effects were observed in the olopatadine group. Therefore, while choosing treatment for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis due consideration must be given to costs, side effects, and patient compliance.