An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Natural Honey Drops Compared to Synthetic Drops in the Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis

Abstract

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common ocular inflammatory disease that has had limited conventional management and natural therapy. This report assessed the efficacy of natural honey drops versus olopatadine hydrochloride (sodium olopatadine) synthetic drops in managing moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis. A randomized, prospective, parallel-group controlled, double-blind trial was carried out in 120 adult subjects aged 18-65 years with allergic conjunctivitis. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to 20% Manuka honey drops or 0.1% olopatadine drops twice daily for four weeks. The main outcome measure was the difference detected in the Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptom Score (ACSS). Their secondary outcomes were RQLQ score, TBUT, tear IgE level, patient satisfaction (VAS), and adverse-event data. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms, but the honey group obtained better results than the control group, as evidenced by greater reductions in ACSS (−9.79 ± 3.02 vs −7.37 ± 2.89; p < 0.001), a larger increase of RQLQ (−30.88 ± 4.95 vs −26.79 ±5.12; p < 0.001), an increased TBUT (+3.01 ± 0.98 vs +2.26 ±1.02 seconds; ) and decreased levels of tear IgE t (-19.76 ± 4.87ng/ml vs -15.37 ± 5.03ng/ml). Use of natural honey drops was more efficacious and tolerated than synthetic drops, a potentially challenging therapeutic option in allergic conjunctivitis treatment.