Description

About Sodium cromoglicate eye drops for hay fever
Anti-allergic eye drops are used on their own or combined with tablets and/or nasal sprays as a treatment for hay fever symptoms (sore and runny eyes). Very little of the active drug is absorbed into the body. Combining eye drops with an antihistamine tablet can be more effective than either one alone.

• Contact lenses should be taken out whilst using hay fever eye drops.
• Bottles should be replaced after 4 weeks.

Dr Fox supplies two types of eye drops:

Sodium cromoglicate 2% eye drops
Sodium cromoglicate eye drops are an anti-inflammatory drop that works by stopping the release of the natural substances in your eyes that can lead to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include itchy, watery, red, or inflamed eyes and puffy eyelids.

Sodium cromoglicate 2% is available from several pharmaceutical companies under various brand names, e.g. Allercrom, Opticrom, and Optrex.

• Directions: 1-2 drops in each eye four times a day.
• Maximum use: 3 months.

Optilast eye drops
Optilast is an antihistamine (azelastine). Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of histamine which the body produces as part of an allergic reaction (hay fever allergy).

Sodium cromoglicate 2% eye drops are available from several pharmaceutical companies under various brand names, e.g. Allercrom, Opticrom, and Optrex.

• Directions: 1 drop in each eye twice a day (morning and evening).
• Maximum use: 6 weeks.

How to use eye drops

1. Wash your hands and clean the eye area with a clean tissue.
2. Tilt the head back and gently pull the lower eyelid down.
3. Squeeze drops inside the lower eyelid without touching your eye.
4. Release your lower eyelid and gently press on the inner corner of your eye, against the bridge of the nose.
5. Keeping your finger pressed against your nose, slowly blink your eyes a few times to spread the drop across the surface of your eye.
6. Wipe away any excess liquid from the eyes with a clean tissue.
7. Repeat the process with the other eye.
8. Replace the cap on the bottle.

You may find this easier to do when sitting in front of a mirror. Best if used regularly – if you stop using it, your allergy symptoms may come back.

Possible side effects
All medicines can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If itching, redness, or swelling gets worse after use you may be allergic to the eye drops and should stop using them.

You may notice stinging or burning in your eyes, mild irritation, or blurring of eyesight, or a bitter taste in the mouth. This should only last for a short time and occurs immediately after using the eye drops.

If any side effects are serious or do not resolve after a short time consult a doctor or optician as soon as possible.

Benzalkonium chloride
Sodium cromoglicate and Optilast eye drops both contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride. In some people, this can cause eye irritation, especially if already suffering from dry eyes. If persistent stinging or pain develops after use, do not use it again and see a GP.

Benzalkonium chloride is absorbed by soft contact lenses and may change their colour. Eye drops should not be used whilst wearing contact lenses.