Optilast Eye Drops

Optilast is an antihistamine treatment used to treat itchy and watery eyes caused by hay fever. It is available as eye drops, which directly relieves eye irritation. Optilast comes in an 8ml dropper bottle and is available on prescription online at HealthExpress.

Alternatively, the same treatment is available for nasal symptoms called Rhinolast. Rhinolast contains the same active ingredients as Optilast. However, it is a nasal spray to treat congestion and a runny nose.

What is Optilast used for?

Optilast is primarily used for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. This is the medical term for hay fever that affects the eyes. It is caused by pollen and symptoms occur during pollen seasons.

It can also treat perennial allergic conjunctivitis. This condition causes allergy symptoms throughout the year and is typically caused by indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust or mould.

Optilast contains the active ingredient azelastine hydrochloride, a type of medicine known as an antihistamine. It works by altering your immune system's response to certain allergens.

Specifically, it blocks the effects of a substance called histamine which causes hay fever symptoms. Histamine is released by your immune system when it detects a harmful substance such as pollen, dust or pet dander.

For hay fever, you should apply Optilast twice daily. If necessary, you can use it up to 4 times a day.

You can apply Optilast to prevent symptoms. Apply it 30 minutes before you come into contact with an allergen.

Instructions on applying Optilast are as follows:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Gently wipe around your issues with a tissue to remove any moisture.
3. Unscrew the top of the bottle and check that the dropper is clean.
4. Gently pull your lower eyelid down.
5. Carefully place the drop inside the middle of your lower eyelid. Avoid touching your eye with the dropper.
6. Release your lower eyelid and gently press the inner corner of your eye against the bridge of your nose.
7. Keeping your finger pressed against your nose, blink your eyes a few times to spread the drop across the surface of your eye.
8. Blot away excess medicine with a tissue and repeat these steps for your other eye.

You should notice your symptoms improving within 15-30 minutes of applying it.

If your symptoms do not improve within 48 hours of applying the treatment, please consult your doctor. You may be recommended a different treatment or your symptoms may be caused by another eye condition (e.g. an eye infection).

Always follow the advice of your doctor and pharmacist. You will also find comprehensive instructions in the Optilast patient leaflet.

Optilast and contact lenses

Do not apply Optilast if you’re wearing contact lenses. Take them out before using the medication. You must wait 15 minutes after applying the eye drops before putting contact lenses back in.

Alongside Optilast, there are things you can do yourself to help prevent symptoms.

It’s important to know which pollen affects you so you can prepare each season. For example, if you experience more symptoms in June you may be more affected by grass pollen.

“Understanding what triggers your hay fever is the key to treating it. Learn what pollen affects you and at what time of year so then you can effectively manage your hay fever during high pollen seasons.”
- Dr Anup

As well as understanding what causes your symptoms, some simple lifestyle tips can help with symptoms, such as:

• wearing wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes
• staying indoors when the pollen count is high - you can check this online through the Met Office
• showering and changing your clothes as soon as you come in from outdoors
• vacuuming or dusting regularly to remove any pollen from outside
• keeping windows and doors shut when indoors
• not letting pets into the house - pollen can stick to their fur

Timing your Optilast dose before you go outdoors will also help prevent symptoms from occurring.

Optilast is well tolerated and most people do not experience side effects.

The most common side effect include:

• temporary vision blurriness
• eye irritation (stinging or burning sensation)

These side effects are mild and should go away shortly after applying Optilast.

Rarely, you may experience a bitter taste after applying it. This can happen if you apply Optilast incorrectly.

If you notice any worrying or severe side effects, you should stop using Optilast and consult your doctor as soon as possible.

While Optilast is well-tolerated by most people, you should always ask your doctor before starting any new medication.

In particular, you should ask your doctor first if you have any eye conditions as Optilast may cause additional irritation.

Other medicines

Optilast may react with certain medications.

Speak to your doctor if you take any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAs) as Optilast may increase the effects of these medicines.

Optilast eye drops may also decrease the effects of Betahistine, which is used to treat Ménière’s disease.

With a multitude of products on the market, it can be difficult to pick the best eye drops for hay fever symptoms. We have summarised the main differences between Optilast and other over-the-counter alternatives.

	Optilast Eye Drops	Opticrom Hayfever Eye Drops	Optrex Soothing Eye drops
Active ingredient	Azelastine (antihistamine)	Sodium cromoglicate (antihistamine)	Witch hazel(plant extract)
Size	8ml	10ml	10ml
Dosage	One drop in each eye twice a day	One drop in each eye four times a day	2-4 drops in each eye as and when you need
Availability	Available on prescription	Available over the counter	Available over the counter

Yes, you can buy Optilast Eye Drops online from HealthExpress for hay fever treatment.

You will be required to complete an online consultation involving a short medical questionnaire. Our doctors will review your consultation to ensure the medicine is safe for you to take.

If approved for treatment, your medication will be dispensed and delivered to your chosen address.