Eye Allergy Study

If you weren't already aware, I have been participating in an eye allergy study. The official title of the study is: "A Multi-Center Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of K-Lens as Compared to Placebo Lens in the Prevention of Allergic Conjunctivitis in a Population of Allergic Contact Lens Wearers in the Conjunctival Allergen Challenge (CAC) Model"

Yesterday I had my fourth of five office visits. This was the one that actually tested the lens. Up until this point I was only given regular 1-Day Acuvue lenses to wear daily. Yesterday I was randomly assigned one of three combinations: 1) two placebo lenses, 2) two investigational K-lenses, or 3) one of each. I wore them for 12 hours and then the allergen testing process began, as before. Pretty much what they do is use a micropipette of a measured dosage (depending on the individual's sensitivity) of a specific allergen and dispense it into each eye. Over 20 minutes of increasing itchiness/redness, we are asked to rate our itching, swelling of lids, tearing, etc. Then they examine the eyes (inside and out) for changes from the baseline (pre-allergen). Well, I think that there is convincing evidence that I had one of each lens yesterday. What was my first indication? How about my right eye being dilated for several hours. Later evidence was that there was absolutely zero itching, swelling, etc. with the allergen in the right eye, but typical (from previous test dates) results in the left eye. Possible side effects listed "enlarged pupil and light sensitivity", but they all seemed surprised when I reported it (damn those side effects that could prevent FDA approval!) Surprisingly, I was the first one to notice it - about 2 hours after the lens was inserted - despite spending that full time with Danny and his parents. It was almost fully resolved (barely noticeable) by the time of my 10:00 pm follow-up exam.

In two weeks I have my final appointment. Approximately 3 weeks after, I should receive a check in the amount of $550... All in the name of science.