Efficacy and comfort of olopatadine vs ketotifen ophthalmic solutions

BACKGROUND: Ocular allergies cause itching, redness, chemosis, tearing, and swelling of the eyelids in sensitized individuals. The options available for treatment of ocular allergy include olopatadine 0.1% (Opatanol; Patanol [US]) and ketotifen 0.025% (Zaditen; Zaditor [US]). Patient preference for an eye drop can often be a primary factor in determining the level of compliance and satisfaction with any given therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study sought patient perspective on eye drop efficacy in controlling signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and eye drop comfort. Also evaluated were the factors considered by patients when making decisions of preference. METHODS: One hundred patients with previous history and current symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis were enrolled at two centers (Athens, Greece, N = 50; Padova, Italy, N = 50) for this two visit, double-masked study. Qualified patients received two masked bottles of medication (one olopatadine, one ketotifen) and were asked to use both medications as needed over the course of four weeks, but not to exceed usage of two drops of medication per eye per day. At the second visit, patients answered five questions comparing the two masked medications in terms of preference, drop comfort, and efficacy in treatment of signs and symptoms. Patients also defined the factors upon which they based these decisions. RESULTS: A significantly greater percentage of patients (81%) selected olopatadine when asked which medication they preferred; which they found more comfortable; which they found more efficacious in reducing symptoms of allergy; and which they would select if visiting the doctor's office (P < 0.0001). Seventy-six percent (76%) of patients considered both efficacy and comfort when making their preference decisions (P < 0.0001). No adverse events were volunteered or elicited. CONCLUSION: In this study, patients preferred to use the anti-allergy eye drop olopatadine over ketotifen after using both drops and evaluating relative efficacy and comfort during the course of four weeks. A significantly greater percentage of the patients preferred to use olopatadine during the study period, found it more efficacious and comfortable, and would select olopatadine if visiting their doctor's office during allergy seaso