RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of lodoxamide in the therapy and prophylaxis of the ocular allergies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 64 patients divided in 2 groups. In the first group there were 47 symptomatic patients suffering from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (n = 27), perennial allergic conjunctivitis (n = 16) and giant papillary conjunctivitis (n = 4). The symptomatic patients were examined upon arrival and every 2 weeks until the symptoms were reduced. During the period, lodoxamide drops were administered 4 times a day. In the second group there were 17 patients who had a history of seasonal ocular allergies during previous years but were still not symptomatic upon arrival. In the group of 17 patients who were very likely to develop ocular allergy but up to inclusion into the study had no ocular symptoms, 12 (70%) presented with allergic rhinitis while 5 (30%) had asthma. The symptoms intensity (itching, discomfort, foreign body sensation, pain, tearing) was graded on a 0-3 scale. The clinical signs (follicles, papillae, hyperemia, conjunctival edema, Trantas dots, stromal infiltrates) were detected on a slit lamp examination and graded on a 0-3 scale. RESULTS: In the group of 47 symptomatic patients 2-4 weeks after lodoxamide administration, 70-80% of symptomatic patients examined clinically had less or no follicles, 60-70% had reduced or no edema, the secretion was stopped or greatly reduced in 50-70% of patients. All of the patients reported reduced or no itching, 60% of patients reported less discomfort, photophobia and reduced tearing. In the asymptomatic group two weeks after the initiation of the prophylaxis 88% of patients were still with no ocular signs of allergy while 12% of patients had a conjunctival hyperemia and follicles. After 4 weeks of the prophylaxis 76% of patients patients were still asympthomatic while only 4 developed a mild form of allergic conjunctivitis (conjunctival hyperemia and papillae), but less severe than during previous episodes. CONCLUSION: Lodoxamide was effective in reduction of symptoms and clinical signs of the ocular allergies. The best results were obtained if the drug was administered as a prophylaxis or very early in the course of the disease.