Nedocromil sodium in golfers with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

To evaluate nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, 24 golfers with documented ragweed-pollen allergy instilled eyedrops twice daily for 4 days prior to golf-course intervention and 15 minutes before playing a round of golf during peak ragweed season. Ocular symptoms were scored at baseline (7 days before golfing), prior to instillation on the day of golf, and 30 minutes, and 1, 4, 8, and 12 hours after tee-off. Physician assessment was performed prior to tee-off, before tee-off on the ninth hole, and at the end of the 18th hole. Itching, burning, grittiness, tearing, redness, and light sensitivity were significantly decreased after nedocromil administration, as were erythema, edema, conjunctival hyperemia, and overall findings in the conjunctiva. Symptom severity scores fell approximately 30 minutes after instillation, with improvements persisting 8 and 12 hours after treatment. Most patients (92%) rated the treatment moderately or completely effective, and 83% were willing to continue its use. Physician assessments of effectiveness agreed with those of the patients. In this open-label study, nedocromil sodium eyedrops relieved the ocular symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis for up to 12 hours, well beyond a usual round of golf.