Opticrom Hayfever 2% Eye Drops

Opticrom eye drops contain sodium cromoglicate 2%, a medicine known as a mast cell stabiliser. They're used to relieve and prevent allergic eye symptoms — including itchy, watery, red, and inflamed eyes — caused by hay fever, pet allergies, dust mite allergies, and other common allergens. Unlike antihistamine eye drops, Opticrom works by preventing the cells in your eyes from releasing histamine in the first place, rather than blocking it after it's been released. This makes it particularly effective when used regularly throughout allergy season as a preventative treatment. Opticrom is suitable for adults and children and is available without a prescription.

Opticrom eye drops start to ease symptoms relatively quickly, with some relief felt within 2 to 3 days of starting regular use. However, it's important to understand that Opticrom works best when used consistently and regularly — ideally starting treatment a few days before your allergy season begins rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. If used only occasionally, it may be less effective than when used on a regular schedule throughout the allergy season.

The recommended dose is one to two drops in each eye, four times a day at regular intervals. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day — for example, morning, midday, late afternoon, and evening. Wash your hands before using the drops, and avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. If your vision becomes temporarily blurred after applying the drops, wait until it clears before driving or using tools or machinery.

This depends on the type of contact lenses you wear and the Opticrom product you are using. Standard Opticrom eye drop bottles contain a preservative which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause irritation. If you wear soft lenses, you should remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. If you are using the preservative-free single-dose units, this is less of a concern — but it's still best practice to remove lenses before applying any eye drops and reinsert them after a short wait.

Opticrom eye drops are generally very well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effect is a mild, temporary stinging or burning sensation in the eyes immediately after putting the drops in — this usually settles within a minute or two. Some people also notice brief blurring of vision after application, which clears quickly. In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to the drops themselves — if your eye redness, itching, or swelling gets worse after using them, stop using Opticrom and speak to your doctor.

Yes — Opticrom eye drops can be used on their own or alongside other allergy treatments, such as oral antihistamine tablets or a steroid nasal spray, if your other medications aren't fully controlling your eye symptoms. They are a safe and well-established add-on treatment for allergy sufferers who experience significant eye symptoms during hay fever season. If you are using more than one type of eye drop, leave at least five minutes between applying each one.

Opticrom eye drops are applied directly to the eye and very little of the active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream, which means they carry a low risk compared to many oral medications. However, as a precaution, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your GP or pharmacist before using Opticrom, so they can confirm it is appropriate for your circumstances and advise on the safest treatment option for you.