Optilast Eye Drops

Optilast eye drops contain azelastine hydrochloride 0.05%, an antihistamine that provides fast, targeted relief from allergic eye symptoms. Azelastine works by blocking histamine, the substance the body releases during an allergic reaction, which reduces the itching, redness, watering, and inflammation in the eye. Optilast is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis — the itchy, watery, red, and irritated eyes caused by hay fever and other allergens such as dust mites or animal hair. It is licensed for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever-related eye symptoms) in adults and children aged 4 and over, and for perennial allergic conjunctivitis (year-round allergies) in adults and children aged 12 and over. A consultation with one of our clinicians at Access Doctor is required before it can be issued.

Optilast eye drops work quickly — most people start to notice relief from itching, redness, and watering within 15 to 30 minutes of applying the drops. This makes them a good option both for treating symptoms that have already developed and for using preventively before you know you're going to be exposed to an allergen — for example, before going outside on a high pollen day.

The usual dose is one drop in each eye, twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening. If your symptoms are particularly severe, your doctor may suggest increasing this to one drop up to four times a day. Before using the drops, wash your hands thoroughly. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and apply one drop into the eye. After applying, close your eye and gently press the inner corner against the bridge of your nose for a minute or two — this helps the drop stay in your eye rather than draining away. Never let the tip of the bottle touch your eye or any other surface, as this can contaminate the drops.

No — Optilast is designed to treat allergic eye symptoms, not eye infections, and it should not be used to self-treat a suspected infection. Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and tends to occur alongside other allergy symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose. If only one eye is affected, or if you have eye pain or any disturbance to your vision without accompanying nasal or allergy symptoms, this can be a sign of an infection rather than an allergy, and it needs proper assessment by a doctor rather than treatment with an antihistamine eye drop. If you are ever unsure whether your symptoms are allergic or infective, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting treatment.

You should always remove your contact lenses before using Optilast eye drops. The drops contain a preservative called benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses, potentially damaging them or causing eye irritation. After applying the drops, wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in. If your eyes are red, it's generally best to avoid wearing contact lenses altogether until the irritation has settled.

Most people use Optilast without any problems. The most commonly reported side effect is a mild, temporary stinging, burning, or watering sensation in the eyes immediately after applying the drops — this usually clears within a minute or two. Some people also notice a slightly bitter taste in their mouth after using the drops, which passes quickly and can be helped by having a drink of water. In very rare cases, a mild allergic reaction such as a skin rash or itching can occur. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, stop using the drops and speak to your doctor.

Optilast should not be used continuously for more than 6 weeks at a time. It is designed for use during allergy season or while you are being exposed to the allergen causing your symptoms. If your symptoms have not improved within 48 hours of starting treatment, or if they get worse at any point, stop using the drops and speak to your GP, as this could indicate an eye infection rather than an allergy — and Optilast is not suitable for treating infections.

As a precaution, Optilast is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically advises it is appropriate. While the amount of azelastine absorbed into the bloodstream from eye drops is very small, there is insufficient information available on its safety in pregnant women. Azelastine is known to pass into breast milk in small quantities, so it should be avoided while breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise. Always speak to your GP before using any eye drops during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Optilast and Opatanol are both prescription-only antihistamine eye drops used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, and either may be suitable depending on your circumstances and a clinician's assessment. Optilast contains azelastine, while Opatanol contains olopatadine, which also has an additional mast-cell-stabilising action. Both work quickly and treat the same underlying allergic eye symptoms, though they differ slightly in dosing frequency and licensed duration of use. They are different options with the same broad purpose rather than one being better than the other, and our clinicians at Access Doctor can help you decide which is more appropriate for you.