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If you’ve experienced eye allergies, you know how uncomfortable the condition can be—and when you’re dealing with red and itchy eyes, relief cannot come fast enough. Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops can help provide short-term relief from allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy) symptoms such as burning, itching and watery eyes.
To help you find the right eye drops for allergies, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of experts (consisting of one allergist and one optometrist) who recommended their top picks for eye drops for allergies, providing rationale as to why those products stand out. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team, based on cost, average user rating and number of panelists recommending the product.
This eye drop was formerly available as a prescription under the brand name Pazeo, and is the only 24-hour itch relief eye drop on the market, according to Jennifer Lyerly, O.D., an optometrist and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “Olopatadine works on two separate pathways to relieve allergies: it blocks the release of histamine to prevent an allergic response from being triggered and prevents histamine from binding to receptor cells so that you experience fast relief of your allergy symptoms,” she explains.
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This is a “good solid eye drop that is easily found in a generic version,” says Cori Copilevitz Passer, M.D., a board-certified allergist and immunologist and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. It’s more affordable than Pataday, she notes, but does require twice daily use.
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Say goodbye to uncomfortable, dry eyes and hello to long-lasting relief with Eyetamins’ Dry Eye Comfort. Here’s why we chose it:
Unique formula includes Omega 3,6,7,9 & Vitamin E & over 200 bioactive nutrients
Restores the lipid layer and increases tear secretion
Decreases inflammation and apoptosis
This prescription allergy drop became available over the counter in spring 2022, explains Dr. Lyerly. “It works within three minutes to provide itch relief caused by all causes of allergic conjunctivitis, including pollen, pet dander, grass and ragweed,” she says. “Head to head, both Pataday and Lastacaft are fantastic allergy relief options, but Lastacaft does come in a larger 5 mL bottle size (which is a 60-day supply) so if you have chronic allergies, this may be more cost effective.”
Have you considered Eyetamins Dry Eye Comfort?
Say goodbye to uncomfortable, dry eyes and hello to long-lasting relief with Eyetamins’ Dry Eye Comfort. Here’s why we chose it:
Unique formula includes Omega 3,6,7,9 & Vitamin E & over 200 bioactive nutrients
Restores the lipid layer and increases tear secretion
Decreases inflammation and apoptosis
Like its extra-strength counterpart, “this is a formerly prescription-only, once a day eye drop,” says Dr. Passer. “It is moisturizing and soothing. This product is best for allergy sufferers.”
Have you considered Eyetamins Dry Eye Comfort?
Say goodbye to uncomfortable, dry eyes and hello to long-lasting relief with Eyetamins’ Dry Eye Comfort. Here’s why we chose it:
Unique formula includes Omega 3,6,7,9 & Vitamin E & over 200 bioactive nutrients
Restores the lipid layer and increases tear secretion
Decreases inflammation and apoptosis
Allergies / Asthma / Immunology
Optometry / Myopia / Contact Lenses / Ocular Health
The Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of experts (consisting of one allergist and one optometrist) who recommended their top picks for eye drops for allergies, providing rationale as to why those products stand out. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team, based on cost, average user rating and number of panelists recommending the product.
Eye allergies—also known as allergic conjunctivitis—occur when the tissue lining the inside of your eyelid and outside of your eyeball (the conjunctiva) becomes inflamed in reaction to an allergen. Allergens are usually harmless substances that trigger an immune response reaction (often the release of a chemical called histamine) that can result in a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms.
Common allergens, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), include:
There are two types of eye allergies: seasonal and perennial. As the name suggests, seasonal conjunctivitis occurs seasonally (typically in the spring and summer, but can also occur in the fall) and is associated with outside allergens like pollen and grass. Perennial conjunctivitis occurs year round in reaction to indoor allergens like dander and dust.
The eyes are prime targets for allergens, notes the institute, as they are exposed and sensitive.
Eye allergies can produce a multitude of symptoms in the eyes, including:
Other symptoms, according to the AAFA, may include runny or itchy nose, sinus headaches, sneezing, coughing, fatigue and brief, blurry vision.
While they share common symptoms, eye allergies are not the same as pink eye. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection of the eye tissue. Despite sharing the chief symptoms of red and watery eyes, pink eye often does not result in intensely itchy eyes (like eye allergies), and often affects only one eye at a time before spreading to the other, whereas eye allergies typically affect both eyes at the same time.
Over-the-counter eye drops, like the ones recommended in our ranking above, can provide relief, but should only be administered over the short-term. Antihistamine eye drops can provide relief, but may dry out eyes, and decongestant eye drops should not be used for more than three days.
Other at-home remedies include:
For severe eye allergies, there are also prescription medications available, including mild corticosteroid drops. Other types of treatment plans to discuss with your doctor include immunotherapy, or allergy shots.
Prevention is also key—try to avoid contact with known allergens. Other preventive measures you can consider taking, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, include:
As with any health symptom, never hesitate to contact your doctor, who can help you identify a treatment plan that is best for you and your needs.
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Eyetamins Dry Eye Comfort is Ophthalmologist-formulated and clinically proven to moisturize your eyes while providing all day protection. Skip the hassle of drops and nourish your eyes from within with Eyetamins.
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Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
Valerie is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women’s wellness spaces. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. When she’s not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she’s spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising.