Top 10 Best Eye Drops for Soothing Itchy Eyes

Itchy eyes, known as ocular pruritis, are a common discomfort for many. Often, the culprits behind this irritation are allergies or dry eye syndrome. You might notice itchiness, mainly at the base of your eyelashes, accompanied by swollen eyelids or eyes.

This relentless itch can disrupt your day, making tasks like reading, driving, or using a computer uncomfortable. The constant urge to rub your eyes only brings temporary relief and can lead to more irritation or infection. It's a frustrating cycle that impacts not just your comfort but also your overall eye health.

In this article, you will discover how eye drops relieve itchy eyes and the top 10 best eye drops for itchy eyes, helping you regain clarity and comfort in your vision.

The Top 10 Best Eye Drops for Itchy Eyes

We have compiled a list of the top 10 eye drops that effectively relieve itchy eyes. Our selection is based on each product's ingredients, user reviews, and overall effectiveness. We aim to help you find the right eye drops that will provide you with comfort and clarity, allowing you to carry out your daily activities with ease.

1. Antihistamine Properties

Eye drops often relieve itchy eyes caused by allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander. When allergens trigger the release of histamines in the body, the blood vessels in your eyes enlarge and become more permeable, causing redness and itching. However, using eye drops containing antihistamines can help block the effects of histamines, resulting in reduced redness and itching.

A recent study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of antihistamines in treating itchy eyes in patients with Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC). The study analyzed 230 patients selected from a total of 418 participants. After matching the patients based on a propensity score, they were divided into two groups of 115 each. The study found that using antihistamine eye drops, both proactively and as needed, significantly improved itchy eye symptoms for both groups.

The mean scores for itchy eyes, which initially averaged 2.3 on a scale of 1 to 4 (with 1 indicating mild symptoms), showed improvement in both the proactive and as-needed use groups over two weeks.

Pataday Once Daily Extra Strength Eye Care Allergy Relief Eye Drops can provide the best solution to alleviate itchy eyes caused by common allergens. You can get a 2.5 ml bottle for $22.62, delivering 24-hour relief with just a single drop per day. It is also worth noting that these eye drops do not require a prescription, making them a convenient choice for those looking for quick and reliable allergy relief.

Pros

• Pataday Once Daily Extra Strength Eye Care Allergy Relief Eye Drops contain the ingredient most commonly prescribed by doctors for relieving eye allergy itch due to various allergens.
• Users can enjoy the benefits of these eye drops with just one drop per day, making it a hassle-free solution for allergy relief.
• These eye drops work within minutes, providing rapid relief to alleviate itchy eyes.

Cons

• The cost of Pataday Once Daily Extra Strength Eye Care Allergy Relief Eye Drops may be relatively high for some users, considering the bottle size.
• The 2.5 ml bottle may be considered small by some users, potentially requiring frequent repurchases.

Opcon-A Eye Allergy Relief Drops, offered by Bausch + Lomb, is specifically designed to temporarily relieve itchy and red eyes caused by common allergens like pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander. The price of a 1 fl oz bottle is $10.12. These eye drops have been clinically proven effective in relieving eye itching and redness, making them a valuable solution for anyone experiencing eye discomfort related to allergies.

Pros

• Provides quick relief from redness and itching associated with common airborne allergens.
• Clinically proven to be effective in relieving eye discomfort.
• Suitable for both adults and children (6 years and older), offering a broad age range of use.

Cons

• The initial application of the drops may cause a temporary burning sensation, especially for individuals with severe allergies.
• Not suitable for children under 6 years of age without consulting a doctor.
• Some users may find the price higher than other over-the-counter eye drop options.

Alaway® Antihistamine Eye Drops, manufactured by Bausch + Lomb, is designed to alleviate itchy eyes caused by allergens such as pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander. You can purchase a 0.34 fl oz bottle for $11.99.

Pros

• Alaway Eye Drops work within minutes to relieve itchy eyes, offering quick relief from allergy symptoms.
• These eye drops are formulated with a prescription-strength formula, making them more effective than many over-the-counter allergy pills.
• Bausch +Lomb, with over 150 years of experience, is known for producing high-quality eye care products.

Cons

• While highly effective for alleviating eye itch caused by allergens, Alaway eye drops are specific to eye-related symptoms and may not address other allergy symptoms.
• Some users may experience mild stinging upon application, which can be uncomfortable.

ZADITOR Antihistamine Eye Care Allergy Eye Drops are available at Walmart and offer quick and long-lasting relief for itchy eyes caused by allergies. You can experience up to 12 hours of relief with just one drop. The price for a 5 ml bottle is $12.90. These eye drops are prescription-strength available over-the-counter, and are suitable for adults and children ages three and up.

Pros

• Fast-acting relief for itchy eyes
• Long-lasting effects for up to 12 hours with a single drop
• Prescription-strength, yet available without a prescription

Cons

• It may not be effective for everyone, as individual responses to eye drops can vary.
• Possible side effects or adverse reactions for some users
• Cost may be a factor for those seeking more affordable options.

HealthCareAisle Eye Allergy Itch Relief is an OTC eye drop solution that effectively relieves itchy eyes caused by common allergens such as pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander. It costs $19.99 and has the same active ingredient as Pataday Once Daily Relief. This makes it a cost-effective and convenient solution for individuals with eye allergies.

Pros

• HealthCareAisle Eye Allergy Itch Relief offers a cost-effective alternative to prescription allergy eye drops, making it accessible to a broader range of users.
• Users report experiencing effective itch relief within minutes of application, providing immediate comfort.
• This eye drop is suitable for combating allergies caused by shared environmental factors, making it versatile for different allergy triggers.

Cons

• The product may occasionally be unavailable due to high demand so that availability can be limited.
• Users outside the United States may need an adapter or converter to use the product due to differences in electrical outlets and voltage.
• While it offers effective relief, some users may still prefer prescription options for more severe allergy symptoms.

The Special Pack of 5 Bausch & Lomb Allergy Drops MAX Strength 0.5 oz is an excellent option for people experiencing allergy-related eye symptoms. It has been specially formulated to provide advanced eye relief, soothing and refreshing the eyes. The pack of five bottles costs $34.61.

Pros

• The product offers a cost-effective solution by providing a pack of 5 Bausch & Lomb Allergy Drops at a reasonable price.
• The drops contain active ingredients such as Hypromellose and Naphazoline hydrochloride, known for their effectiveness in relieving allergy-related eye symptoms.

Cons

• The product is designed for use in the US, and international customers may need to check compatibility or use an adapter or converter due to voltage and outlet differences.
• The product is non-returnable for food safety reasons, so customers should be cautious when purchasing.

2. Mast Cell Stabilizer

Some eye drops contain mast cell stabilizers that prevent mast cells in the eyes from releasing histamine. These drops can help prevent or minimize the allergic response and reduce itching by inhibiting histamine release. Ocular mast cell stabilizers such as cromolyn, lodoxamide, and nedocromil reduce symptoms like hyperemia, itching, and irritation compared to placebo.

These agents prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells, making them more suitable for preventive use than for treating acute symptoms. Their total effect usually appears 2 to 5 days after initiation, with maximum benefits observed 15 days later.

Lodoxamide, for instance, is approximately 2500 times more effective than sodium cromoglycate in animal models, although their efficacy in controlling allergic conjunctivitis symptoms appears similar.

Cromolyn 4% Ophthalmic Solution stands out as an ideal remedy for alleviating itchy eyes due to allergies. Its active role in hindering the release of substances that trigger allergy symptoms, thus reducing inflammation, makes it a member of the mast cell stabilizers category. As such, it ensures a targeted approach to managing eye discomfort with minimal systemic involvement, offering relief for those affected by seasonal or environmental allergens.

Pros

• Specifically designed to treat allergy-induced eye irritation.
• Eligible for FSA or HSA, making it financially accessible.
• Prescribed for children as young as 4 years under certain conditions.

Cons

• Requires careful application to avoid contamination.
• Possible side effects include eye irritation or itching.
• Interaction with other eye products could be restrictive.

3. Anti-inflammatory Action

Healthcare professionals can prescribe eye drops with corticosteroids for severe cases of eye itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis or other inflammatory eye disorders. These drops contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and redness.

In addition to eye drops with corticosteroids, healthcare professionals may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ketorolac (Acular) for severe cases of eye itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis or other inflammatory eye disorders. These drops can also help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and redness.

According to a study, Corticosteroids, like eye drops, can help treat itchy eyes, especially when the itchiness is due to inflammation. Studies, including one with 4,169 people, showed that using these steroid drops can really improve symptoms like itchiness.

The Prednisolone / Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic Solution, priced at an affordable $10.75 for Prime members after a 28% discount from its retail price of $15.00, stands out as an exemplary choice for soothing itchy eyes. This medication harnesses the power of corticosteroids, with a formulation combining an antibiotic and a steroid to effectively combat eye inflammation, redness, or itching caused by infections, injuries, or other conditions. Its ability to kill and prevent bacteria growth while simultaneously reducing inflammation to alleviate pain makes it a comprehensive solution for eye care.

Pros

• It combines antibiotics and steroids, attacking both bacteria and inflammation.
• Formulated specifically for eye use, ensuring targeted relief.
• Eligible for FSA or HSA, making it financially accessible.

Cons

• Requires a prescription, limiting immediate access.
• Potential side effects include allergic reactions and eye pain.
• Interaction with other eye products may limit usage flexibility.

4. Decongestants

Decongestants can relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by various factors such as allergies, common cold, and sinus infections. Additionally, decongestant eye drops can help reduce itching and redness in the eyes. These eye drops work by constricting the blood vessels in the eye, which reduces blood flow to the affected area, reduces inflammation, and provides relief for those experiencing eye irritation.

They are commonly used to treat conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and eye redness caused by environmental irritants such as smoke or pollution. In a study of 348 patients with allergic conjunctivitis, tetrahydrozoline 0.05% was an effective decongestant, whether used alone (93.5%) or in combination with oral antihistamine therapy (97.4%).

Aphcon A Eye Drops are an excellent choice for people who suffer from itchy, red eyes caused by allergies. These eye drops contain a powerful combination of a decongestant and an antihistamine, which work together to provide relief.

The decongestant narrows the blood vessels, reducing redness in the eyes, while the antihistamine blocks the action of histamine, which helps alleviate symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes. This dual-action formula ensures comprehensive allergy control, making these eye drops a perfect solution for individuals seeking quick and effective relief from eye irritation caused by various allergens. The price of these eye drops is $26.00.

Pros

• Combines decongestant and antihistamine for full-spectrum relief.
• Targets both eye redness and itchiness effectively.
• Designed to address a wide range of allergens.

Cons

• Price may be higher compared to some other OTC options.
• Not suitable for those with certain sensitivities or contraindications.
• Continuous or excessive use may lead to dependency or side effects.

Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief Eye Drops are specifically formulated to provide soothing relief for itchy and irritated eyes. These drops contain a maximum-strength astringent that helps alleviate symptoms caused by environmental irritants. They are part of the Clear Eyes product line, the top-selling brand for eye drops designed to tackle various eye irritations. The price for this product is $12.04.

Pros

• Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief Eye Drops are designed to provide soothing comfort for up to 12 hours.
• Users have reported that these eye drops relieve itching and discomfort quickly.
• Each purchase includes three bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief Eye Drops, offering extended use and convenience.

Cons

• Some users may experience a slight stinging sensation upon application, although it tends to subside quickly.
• The available sizes for these eye drops may not cater to all preferences.
• These eye drops are primarily designed for relief and may not offer the lubrication some users desire.

Wrap-Up

Finding a suitable eye drop for allergies or dry eyes can be challenging, but many products available can provide relief. One of the best options to soothe itchy eyes is Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength. This product provides long-lasting relief with just one daily application, which makes it both convenient and efficient. It contains an essential ingredient highly recommended by medical professionals for dealing with eye allergy itch, and its rapid-action formula brings quick comfort to users.

Despite being slightly more expensive and coming in a small bottle size, its effectiveness and ease of use make it a top recommendation for those seeking relief from itchy eyes due to allergies. It's essential to consider the pros and cons of each product before choosing one that works best for you. Remember to consult your eye doctor if you experience persistent eye discomfort or have concerns about using eye drops.

FAQs On Eye Allergy Drops

How often can I use eye drops for dry eyes?

Many eye doctors advise against using eye drops with preservatives more than four times a day. Preservative-free eye drops contain fewer additives and are typically recommended for people with moderate to severe dry eye. They are often preferred for those who use artificial tears more than four times daily.

Is it safe to use allergy eye drops daily?

Using allergy eye drops daily may not be safe for prolonged periods unless specifically recommended by your eye doctor. Most eye drop products advise discontinuing use and consulting an eye doctor if symptoms persist for over three days. Using eye drops daily without consulting a medical professional is generally not advised.

What are the consequences of overusing antihistamine eye drops?

If you use antihistamine eye drops excessively, your eyes can become dry, red, and irritated.

What are the best eye drops that are safe to use every day?

The best eye drops that are safe to use daily are preservative-free, so you can use them as many times as you like throughout the day. Because they lack preservatives, these eye drops typically expire faster. Ensure your artificial tears are still usable before adding any to your eyes.