N-acetyl-aspartyl glutamic acid (NAAGA) topical eyedrops in the treatment of giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC).

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is a conjunctival inflammatory condition associated with contact lens wear. The etiology is still unknown and no adequate treatment is found. Mastcell stabilizing drugs are useful in the treatment of chronic inflammatory processes. The effect of 6% N-acetyl-aspartyl glutamic acid (NAAGA), a mastcell stabilizing agent, in a double-masked comparative trial with placebo in the treatment of GPC is reported. Seventeen patients with symptomatic GPC were treated over a four week period, eyes were randomized to receive NAAGA or placebo. A decrease in symptoms was found for both eyes. No significant difference of clinical symptoms and signs were observed between NAAGA or placebo treated eyes. These results suggest a wash effect of placebo in GPC. Tear C3a showed a increased level compared to normals but no statistically significance was observed in our study. The results of this study indicate that mastcell stabilization in GPC has little effect and treatment should be focused more on inflammatory mediators released because of mechanical stimuli.