Treatment of seasonal conjunctivitis: comparison of 2% and 4% sodium cromoglycate ophthalmic solutions

In a double-blind, noncrossover, group study a 2% ophthalmic solution of sodium cromoglycate (Opticrom) was compared with a 4% solution in the treatment of ragweed-pollen-induced conjunctivitis. The 22 female and 18 male patients, ranging in age from 10 to 61 years, had a history of troublesome eye symptoms during the ragweed season for at least 2 years and had previously obtained minimal relief with the 2% solution. They were randomly assigned to two treatment groups in matched pairs and instructed to use one drop of the medication in each eye four times a day for 4 weeks. Treatment efficacy was evaluated from the patients' daily diaries, periodic clinical assessments and subjective reports by the patients at the end of the trial. Analysis of the symptom severity scores and evaluations by both the patients and the clinician indicated that the 4% solution was more effective than the 2% solution in controlling the symptoms. No local or systemic side effects were encountered.