Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topical 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride
on goblet cell density, clinical signs, and symptoms of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Methods: Between December 2002 and April 2003, 40 eyes of 20 patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
and 10 healthy eyes of 5 control patients were evaluated prospectively and
treated with 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride. Both groups were observed clinically, subjective
complaints were recorded, and changes in goblet cell density were obtained with brush
cytology.
Results: After the 2-month therapy, subjective complaints and clinical signs improved with
therapy. Also, the clinical signs were improved with the therapy. As the severity of the signs
and symptoms were reduced, goblet cell numbers in the brush cytologic specimens were reduced.
Conclusion: Olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% is an effective agent for relieving the signs
and symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Also, it reduces the number of goblet cells,
which, in turn, decreases the amount of mucus discharge in vernal keratoconjunctivitis during
treatment.
