Effect of Olopatadine on Allergic Tear Mediators
Effect of Olopatadine on Allergic Tear Mediators
The purpose of the research is to determine which inflammatory substances are involved in
 causing allergic symptoms in the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common problem with
 symptoms of temporary redness, itching, tearing, and swelling of the eyes. Substances
 released by cells in the affected tissues cause allergic reactions in the eye and elsewhere
 in the body.
Ocular allergies are extremely common, affecting up to 80 million people in the USA. Our
 research question is:

 Are there differences in inflammatory mediators and cell surface activation markers in
 patients undergoing seasonal allergic conjunctivitis compared to those with sight threatening
 disease such as Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and will the use of the anti-allergy eye
 drop, PATANOL® (olopatadine hydrochloride) affect these parameters?

 Experimental Design:

 Ocular surface cells (by impression cytology) and tears (via capillary tube) are collected
 from allergic, non-allergic, and AKC subjects undergoing an reaction induced either by
 seasonal allergen or topical allergen provocation (specificity and dose determined via skin
 testing). Ocular surface cells are evaluated for surface activation markers. Tears are
 evaluated for mediator content. Tears are also incubated with peripheral blood eosinophils
 and lymphocytes to see effects on adhesion to conjunctival epithelial cells.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Skin test positive

 -  Able to put drops in eyes

 -  Able to have tears collected