The allergy eye drop aisle at the store has gotten out of control. There are so many options and so many choices that it is dang near impossible for someone to make a decision about what the best allergy eye drop for them would be. This article is going to outline a few different allergy eye drops and let you know which is the best.
#1 Lastacaft by Allergan
Lastacaft is a once daily allergy eye drop that is an antihistamine. It contains Alcaftadine opthalmic solution 0.25% as the active ingredient.
So, when allergens in the air or on your hands come into contact with your eyes, histamine is released by mast cells. This is the body’s natural defense mechanism. This causes an allergic response which can make your eyes itch. Just one drop of LASTACAFT works in 3 minutes to relieve itchy allergy eyes by 1) blocking histamine H1 receptors and 2) preventing further release of more histamine in the eye.
You will start to notice relief in about 3 minutes and it can last for 16-24 hours.
#2 Opcon A by Bausch and Lomb
Opcon A is a 4x a day allergy eye drop that is an antihistamine. It contains Pheniramine maleate 0.315% as the active ingredient. It works on the histamine just like Lastacaft.
You will start to notice relief in about 3 minutes, but it only lasts for about 4 hours.
#3 Alaway by Bausch and Lomb
Alaway is a mast cell stabilizer that can be used twice a day. This means it will block the mast cells from releasing histamine. This is helpful if we know we will be dealing with allergies soon, but not so helpful if we already have allergy problems.
The active ingredient in Alaway is Ketotifen, which helps allergies in 3 ways:
- Blocks the histamine receptors
- Stabilizes the mast cell membrane (to reduce histamine release), and
- Prevents accumulation of eosinophils (which contribute to allergic inflammation)
You will start to notice relief in a few minutes and it tends to last about 12 hours.
#4 Zaditor by Alcon
Zaditor is a twice a day allergy eye drop that is an antihistamine. It contains the active ingredient is ketotifen 0.025% as the active ingredient.
It works on the histamine just like Lastacaft and Opcon A
You will start to notice relief in about 3 minutes, but it only lasts for about 12 hours.
Zaditor is approved for ages 3 and older.
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