Allergic Conjunctivitis and Contact Lenses: Experience with Olopatadine Hydrochloride 0.1% Therapy

. Objective: The efficacy of Patanol®, a topically applied anti-allergic agent, was evaluated in a group of patients with allergic conjunctivitis due to contact lens wear (GROUP I) and a group comprised of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis patients, vernal conjunctivitis patients and atopic keratoconjunctivitis patients (GROUP II). Methods: One drop of Patanol® was administered to each eye twice daily. Signs and symptoms were assessed 7, 14, and 28 days after initiation of drug therapy. Results: Itching/burning, tearing, hyperemia and papillary reaction were reduced to scores of 0/1 (absent/mild) in 85%, 90%, 81% and 62%, respectively, of GROUP I patients at Day 28. The allergic conditions in GROUP II patients also improved with Patanol® treatment. Itching/burning, tearing, hyperemia and papillary reactions were absent/mild in 60%, 76%, 96% and 90%, respectively, of these patients at Day 28. Conclusion: Patanol® treatment effectively and rapidly alleviated the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis due to contact lens wear as well as vernal conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis and the common seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Patanol® allowed allergic patients to be more comfortable while permitting them to continue using contact lenses.