What are the best eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis?

From the Guidelines

For allergic eye symptoms, the best eye drops are typically antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer combinations like Pataday (olopatadine), Zaditor (ketotifen), or Alaway (ketotifen), as they provide quick relief and prevent symptom recurrence when used regularly, according to the most recent study 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to prioritize the reduction of morbidity, mortality, and improvement of quality of life. In the context of allergic eye symptoms, the primary goal is to alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and tearing.

• Antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer combinations are the preferred choice due to their dual-action mechanism, which blocks histamine release from mast cells and stabilizes mast cells to prevent further allergic reactions, as supported by 1 and 1.
• For mild symptoms, artificial tears can help flush allergens and provide temporary relief, as mentioned in 1.
• More severe cases might require prescription-strength options like Lastacaft (alcaftadine) or steroid drops for short-term use, but these should be used with caution due to potential side effects, as noted in 1.
• It's crucial to avoid redness-reducing drops like Visine, as they can cause rebound redness with prolonged use, as warned in 1 and 1.
• Additional relief measures include cold compresses and wearing sunglasses outdoors to prevent allergen exposure, as recommended in 1.
• If symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days of treatment or if you experience vision changes or severe pain, it's essential to consult an eye care professional for further evaluation and guidance.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, every 6 to 8 hours, no more than twice per day if using other ophthalmic products while using this product, wait at least 5 minutes between each product replace cap after each use children under 2 years of age:consult a doctor Directions Adults and children 3 years of age and older: Put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, every 8-12 hours, no more than twice per day. Children under 3 years of age: Consult a doctor. Now OTC! ANTIHISTAMINE EYE DROPS UPTO 12 HOURS EYE ITCH RELIEF • Works in Minutes • Original Prescription Strength FOR AGES 3 YEARS AND OLDER

The best eye drops for allergies are olopatadine and ketotifen, as they provide relief for eye itchiness and are available for use in adults and children as young as 2 and 3 years old, respectively 2, 3, 3.

• Olopatadine can be used in children as young as 2 years old, with a dosing frequency of twice daily, every 6 to 8 hours.
• Ketotifen can be used in children as young as 3 years old, with a dosing frequency of twice daily, every 8-12 hours.

From the Research

Best Eye Drops for Allergies

The following are some of the best eye drops for allergies, based on various studies:

• Olopatadine: This eye drop has been shown to be effective in reducing ocular itch and conjunctival hyperemia in patients with allergic conjunctivitis 4, 5, 6.
• Ketotifen: This eye drop has been found to be effective in reducing the expression of cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory markers in conjunctival surface cells, and has been shown to be comparable to olopatadine in terms of efficacy 5, 7.
• Epinastine: This eye drop has been shown to be effective in reducing ocular itch and conjunctival hyperemia, and has been found to be comparable to olopatadine in terms of efficacy 4, 6.
• Alcaftadine: This eye drop has been shown to be superior to olopatadine in reducing ocular itch, and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing activities 4, 6.
• Azelastine: This eye drop has been found to be effective in reducing ocular itch and conjunctival hyperemia, and has been shown to be comparable to olopatadine in terms of efficacy 4, 8.

Comparison of Eye Drops

The following are some comparisons between different eye drops:

• Olopatadine vs. Ketotifen: Both eye drops have been found to be effective in reducing ocular itch and conjunctival hyperemia, but ketotifen has been shown to be more effective in reducing the expression of cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory markers in conjunctival surface cells 5, 7.
• Olopatadine vs. Epinastine: Both eye drops have been found to be effective in reducing ocular itch and conjunctival hyperemia, and have been shown to be comparable in terms of efficacy 4, 6.
• Olopatadine vs. Alcaftadine: Alcaftadine has been shown to be superior to olopatadine in reducing ocular itch, but olopatadine has been found to be more effective in reducing conjunctival hyperemia 4, 6.
• Olopatadine vs. Azelastine: Both eye drops have been found to be effective in reducing ocular itch and conjunctival hyperemia, and have been shown to be comparable in terms of efficacy 4, 8.

Safety and Efficacy

The safety and efficacy of these eye drops have been evaluated in various studies:

• Olopatadine: This eye drop has been found to be safe and effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis, with a low risk of adverse events 5, 6.
• Ketotifen: This eye drop has been found to be safe and effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis, with a low risk of adverse events 5, 7.
• Epinastine: This eye drop has been found to be safe and effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis, with a low risk of adverse events 4, 6.
• Alcaftadine: This eye drop has been found to be safe and effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis, with a low risk of adverse events 4, 6.
• Azelastine: This eye drop has been found to be safe and effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis, with a low risk of adverse events 4, 8.