Opatanol Eye Drops: Using Olopatadine for Allergic Conjunctivitis
How Opatanol works, dosage, correct technique and contact lens guidance.
Part of the Access Doctor Allergy & Hay Fever guide.
Key fact: Opatanol eye drops (olopatadine 1mg/ml) are a prescription-only antihistamine eye treatment for allergic conjunctivitis — the red, itchy, watery eyes that many hay fever sufferers experience during pollen season. As one of the most effective targeted treatments for hay fever eye symptoms, Opatanol works directly in the eye to block the histamine response responsible for inflammation.
Get Opatanol Eye Drops Online
Access Doctor provides Opatanol following a GPhC-regulated online consultation with our pharmacist independent prescribers.
Order Opatanol →Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent tissue that lines the inside of your eyelids and covers the white part of your eye. When allergens — particularly pollen during hay fever season — come into contact with the eye, they trigger an immune response in the conjunctiva. Mast cells release histamine, which causes vasodilation and inflammation, producing the familiar symptoms:
- Intense itching of the eyes
- Redness and injection of the whites of the eyes
- Watering or discharge from the eyes
- Swelling of the conjunctiva (chemosis)
- A gritty or burning sensation
This condition affects the majority of hay fever sufferers. For a broader overview of all hay fever treatments, see our Hay Fever Treatment Guide.
Types of Conjunctivitis: Why Diagnosis Matters
| Type | Cause | Key Features | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic conjunctivitis | Allergens (pollen, dust mites, pets) | Itching, watering, redness; both eyes usually affected; seasonal | Antihistamine eye drops (Opatanol); nasal corticosteroids for associated hay fever |
| Viral conjunctivitis | Adenovirus (cold-related) | Watery discharge; very contagious; often one eye first | Usually self-limiting; good hygiene essential |
| Bacterial conjunctivitis | Staphylococcus, Streptococcus | Sticky yellow/green discharge; crusting on lashes | Antibiotic eye drops (prescription) |
Important: Opatanol treats allergic conjunctivitis only. It will not treat bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. If you have a sticky discharge, significant crusting or rapidly worsening eye symptoms, see a doctor to rule out infection before using Opatanol.
How Opatanol Works: Olopatadine Mechanism
Olopatadine — the active ingredient in Opatanol — is a selective H1 histamine receptor antagonist with dual action:
- Antihistamine action: Blocks H1 histamine receptors in the conjunctiva, preventing histamine from producing the inflammatory response
- Mast cell stabilisation: Reduces the release of additional inflammatory mediators beyond histamine, providing comprehensive allergic eye symptom control
Opatanol has been licensed in Europe since 2002 and has an established evidence base. Clinical studies lasting up to 14 weeks demonstrated that Opatanol significantly reduced itching and redness in allergic conjunctivitis.
How to Use Opatanol Eye Drops Correctly
Wash hands
Wash hands thoroughly before using the eye drops.
Remove contact lenses
Remove soft contact lenses before application. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
Tilt head back
Tilt your head back slightly and look up.
Pull down lower eyelid
Gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket.
Apply 1 drop
Instil 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of each affected eye.
Close eye gently
Close your eye gently for 1–2 minutes after applying the drop. Repeat for the other eye.
Other eye medications
If using other eye medications, leave at least 5 minutes between applications. Apply eye ointments last.
Dosing: 1 drop per affected eye, twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. Can be used safely for up to 4 months as required during the allergic season.
Opatanol and Contact Lenses
Opatanol contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This substance can cause discolouration of soft contact lenses (both soft and RGP lenses). Always remove contact lenses before applying Opatanol and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
If you develop conjunctivitis and wear contact lenses, stop wearing your lenses until symptoms resolve. Continuing to wear lenses during active conjunctivitis can lead to secondary infections requiring more intensive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Opatanol and what does it treat?
Opatanol (olopatadine 1mg/ml) is a prescription-only antihistamine eye drop used to treat allergic conjunctivitis triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. It is particularly effective for the itching, redness and watering associated with hay fever eye symptoms.
How do Opatanol eye drops work?
Olopatadine is a selective antihistamine that blocks H1 histamine receptors in the eye. By preventing histamine from binding to these receptors, Opatanol reduces the allergic inflammatory response in the conjunctiva — decreasing itching, redness and swelling. It also stabilises mast cells for comprehensive symptom control.
What is the correct dose for Opatanol eye drops?
The recommended dose is 1 drop into each affected eye, twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. Opatanol can be used safely for up to 4 months if needed. Always follow your prescriber's instructions on duration.
Can I use Opatanol with contact lenses?
Opatanol contains benzalkonium chloride, which can discolour soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before applying Opatanol and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting. Stop wearing lenses during active conjunctivitis until symptoms clear.
Is Opatanol safe for children?
Opatanol is licensed for use in adults and children aged 3 years and over. The dosing is the same — 1 drop per affected eye, twice daily, at least 8 hours apart.
How quickly does Opatanol work for allergic conjunctivitis?
Many users notice improvement within 30–60 minutes of the first dose. For ongoing hay fever eye symptoms, consistent twice-daily use throughout the allergen season provides the best protection.
Getting Opatanol from Access Doctor
Access Doctor provides Opatanol eye drops as part of our comprehensive hay fever treatment range. Complete a short online consultation reviewed by our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers, and your prescription is dispensed and dispatched the same day — arriving the next working day in discreet packaging.
For complete hay fever management including nasal symptoms, also consider Avamys nasal spray or Flixonase nasal spray alongside Opatanol for both nasal and eye symptom control.
Complete Your Hay Fever Treatment
Opatanol treats the eye symptoms of hay fever. For nasal symptoms, most patients benefit from a nasal corticosteroid spray used alongside Opatanol:
Nasal spray · Rx
Avamys
Fluticasone furoate 27.5mcg. First-line nasal corticosteroid for hay fever nasal symptoms.
View product →Nasal spray · Rx
Flixonase Nasal Spray
Fluticasone propionate 50mcg. Intranasal corticosteroid for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
View product →Antihistamine · Rx
Fexofenadine
Non-drowsy antihistamine tablet. Effective for sneezing, runny nose and nasal itching.
View product →References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Allergic rhinitis: Clinical Knowledge Summary. Updated 2023. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/allergic-rhinitis
- NHS. Conjunctivitis. nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis
- Berdy GJ et al. Olopatadine: an overview of ocular antihistamine activity. Adv Ther. 2005. PubMed: 15724780
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999.