Evidence-based study design in ocular allergy trials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Until the last few years, there were few choices available for topical treatment for ocular allergy, but in recent years a plethora of new treatment options have become available for the management of ocular allergic symptoms and so there is an increasing need to properly evaluate and compare treatment modalities. RECENT
FINDINGS: In the US, ocular symptoms severely affect 70-80% of seasonal allergic patients and 30% of the US population report nasal and ocular symptoms for at least 1 week in the year. Studies have demonstrated that allergic symptoms have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Most commonly, ocular allergy studies have been designed to assess two variables, onset and duration of action of either topical or oral antihistamines. Mast cell stabilizing medications have also become available and are assessed for efficacy in blocking the allergic response after a period of use.
SUMMARY: Allergists, ophthalmologists and statisticians need to confer and agree upon standardized criteria for ocular allergy trials. Development of a consensus on the conduct of ocular allergy trials will create greater uniformity in trials allowing for meaningful comparisons and facilitation of meta-analyses.