COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF AZELASTINE AND FLUOROMETHOLONE IN THE TREATMENT OF SPRING CATARRH (VERNAL CATARRH)

Aim and Objective: To study and compare the efficacy of FML & Azelastin eye drops in relieving symptoms & regressing signs of VKC. Methodology: This Prospective Interventional study conducted at Sarojini Devi eye hospital, Hyderabad which is a regional institute of Ophthalmology during the period July 2004 to July 2005. The 100 patients of spring catarrh reported to SD eye hospital during the period were randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each. Group I were given Fluorometholone 0.25% eye drops four times daily for a period of 4 weeks. Group II were given Azelastine HCl 0.05% eye drops four times daily for a period of 4 weeks. Results: Documented by taking symptomatic relief of patient, Clinical improvement of signs, reduction in Eosinophils and Mast cells on histopathological examination. Conclusion: This study shows that Fluorometholone is superior to Azelastine in relieving Symptoms and regression of signs in the cases of Vernal catarrh.