For us allergy sufferers, sometimes our eyes are driving us mad with an itchy, watery nightmare, and we need some over-the-counter allergy eye drops that work. Let’s dive deep into the best OTC allergy eye drops that will soothe your irritated eyes and give you that much-needed relief during this allergy season.
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Best OTC Allergy Eye Drops List
This curated list is the current best over-the-counter eye drops on the market. All of these eye drops contain antihistamines as an active ingredient, which is crucial to keep allergy-related eye conditions at bay. Review the eye drops to see what suits your needs best and talk them over with your doctor.
*Spoiler Alert* (Maybe) If you are looking for me to tell you the one eye drop that I have had the best experience with, it is the strongest. You are not worried about the other “features”; it is the Pataday Extra Strength, which you can find at your local store or buy now from Amazon below.
It is a few extra bucks a bottle, but for how well they work, it is worth the investment!
For those who want to compare the best OTC allergy eye drops and find the ones that are best suited for their needs, please keep reading!
Advanced Eye Relief – Bausch + Lomb
These eye drops contain the active ingredient Olopatadine (0.2%), which provides fast itch relief. The drops have been formulated as once-daily eye drops and can provide up to 16 hours of relief. Overall, these eye drops are effective, and the bottle will last longer.
What we like about Advanced Eye Relief drops
- Fast relief
- Once a day use
- Moisturizing
- Large bottle option
What could be better about Advanced Eye Relief drops
- Strongest on mild to moderate symptoms
- Price
Opcon-A – Bausch + Lomb
The Opcon-A eye drops contain both an antihistamine and a redness reliever, with the active ingredients of Pheniramine maleate (0.315%) and Naphazoline hydrochloride 0.02675%). These eye drops are great for itch and redness relief and can be used up to 4 times daily. Overall, Opcon-A is a good choice that works and won’t break the bank.
What we like about Opcon-A
- Very affordable
- Redness & itch relief
- Can be used multiple times a day
What could be better with Opcon-A
- Slight burning sensation reported
- Not a “once a day” drop
Visine Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action – Kenvue
The Visine Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action covers itchiness and redness with its two active ingredients, Naphazoline HCI (0.025%), and Pheniramine Maleate (0.3%). These eye drops work well, and you can use them more than once a day, which is a pro to some folks and a con to others. Overall, these drops are a competitive option for those looking for itchiness and redness relief.
What we like about Visine Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action
- Price
- Can be used multiple times daily
- Works fast
What could be better with Visine Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action
- A small amount comes out per drop
- Not a “once a day” drop
Alaway Eye Itch Relief – Bausch + Lomb
The Alaway Eye Itch Relief drops contain the active ingredient Ketotifen fumarate (0.035%), which is the antihistamine that blocks allergic responses and prevents inflammation. Relief from these eye drops should last around 12 hours before you need to reapply. Overall, these eye drops are a blend of effective and affordable.
What we like about Alaway Eye Itch Relief
- Works fast
- Affordable
- 12 hours of relief
What could be better with Alaway Eye Itch Relief
- Burning & stinging reported
Pataday Once Daily Relief – Alcon
Pataday Once Daily Relief started as a prescription eye drop with a punch. Over the years, the same formula has been made available as OTC allergy eye drops. The active ingredient, Olopatadine hydrochloride (0.2%), provides up to 16 hours of relief. Overall, with the Pataday eye drops, you get what you pay for (higher price, better/longer relief).
What we like about Pataday Once Daily Relief
- Very strong drops
- Once daily drop (16 hours of relief)
- Works fast
What could be better with Pataday Once Daily Relief
- Price
Pataday Extra Strength – Alcon
Pataday Extra Strength has taken OTC allergy eye drops to a new level. The active ingredient, Olopatadine hydrochloride (0.7%), is the strongest on the market, over 3X stronger than the Pataday Once Daily drops and provides up to 24 hours of relief. Overall, with the Pataday Extra Strength eye drops, you can’t get anything stronger without a prescription.
What we like about Pataday Once Daily Relief
- Strongest on the market
- Truly a 1x daily drop (24 hours of relief)
- Works fast
- Thicker consistency
What could be better with Pataday Extra Strength
- Price
Conclusion
Finding the right over-the-counter allergy eye drops can significantly improve your comfort during allergy season. Remember to consider your specific symptoms, the severity of your allergies, and any sensitivities you might have when making your choice.
While these OTC allergy eye drops offer considerable relief for many, don’t hesitate to consult an allergist or eye doctor if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments.
Ultimately, the best allergy eye drops are the ones that provide you with clear, comfortable, and irritation-free eyes, allowing you to enjoy life without the constant annoyance of allergies.