A double-masked comparison of ocular decongestants as therapy for allergic conjunctivitis.

A prospective, randomized, double-masked study of three commercially available ocular decongestant products was conducted to compare their relative efficacies in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. All three products contained a vasoconstrictor (naphazoline hydrochloride) and an antihistamine (antazoline phosphate or pheniramine maleate) in varying concentrations. Eighty-nine (89) patients presenting the ocular signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis were enrolled and randomly distributed among the three treatment groups. Patients were evaluated for three ocular signs (lid swelling, bulbar conjunctival inflammation and palpebral conjunctival inflammation) and three ocular symptoms (itching, tearing and discomfort). An overall follow-up impression of treatment results was also recorded. The treatment period lasted one week. The three preparations were found to vary greatly in patient comfort and acceptability but were not different in their ability to ameliorate the itching, tearing, redness, edema and discomfort when dosed topically for the relief of allergic conjunctivitis.