Optilast Eye Drops (8ml)

What Are Azelastine Eye Drops and How Do They Help?

If your eyes turn red, itchy, and watery every time pollen season arrives — or whenever you're around cats, dust, or other allergens — you'll know just how disruptive that can be. Optilast Eye Drops (8ml) contain azelastine eye drops in a 0.05% solution, formulated specifically to relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. That includes the itching, redness, swelling, and excessive tearing that make allergy season genuinely miserable. Available from our eye care collection, Optilast offers targeted, localised relief directly where you need it most.

Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions in the UK, frequently occurring alongside hay fever. According to the NHS, hay fever affects around 1 in 5 people in the UK at some point in their lives, and eye symptoms are among the most frequently reported complaints. Optilast is designed to address those symptoms directly, without the drowsiness that oral antihistamines can sometimes cause.

How Do Optilast Eye Drops Work in the Eye?

Azelastine hydrochloride works through two complementary mechanisms, which is part of what makes it effective for allergic eye conditions. When an allergen — pollen, pet dander, dust mites — comes into contact with your eye, your immune system triggers a release of histamine. That histamine binds to receptors in the eye tissue and causes the classic symptoms: itching, redness, and watering.

• H1 receptor antagonism: Azelastine blocks histamine H1 receptors in the conjunctiva, directly interrupting the allergic response.
• Mast cell stabilisation: It also helps stabilise mast cells, reducing the release of further inflammatory mediators like leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
• Anti-inflammatory action: This dual action means it not only relieves existing symptoms but may also help prevent them from worsening during continued allergen exposure.
• Rapid onset: Relief can begin within minutes of instillation, making it practical for use during acute flare-ups.

Who Should Use Optilast Eye Drops?

Optilast is suitable for adults and children aged 4 years and over who experience eye symptoms related to allergic conditions. It's particularly useful if you find that oral antihistamines don't fully control your eye symptoms, or if you'd prefer a targeted treatment that acts locally rather than systemically. If you're managing broader allergy symptoms alongside eye irritation, you might also want to explore our allergy and hay fever collection for complementary options.

Optilast is appropriate for you if you experience:

• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis triggered by pollen, grass, or tree allergens
• Perennial allergic conjunctivitis caused by year-round allergens such as dust mites or pet dander
• Eye symptoms accompanying hay fever, including itching, redness, and watering
• Mild to moderate allergic eye inflammation without infection

How Do Optilast Eye Drops Compare to Other Allergy Eye Drops?

How Should You Store Optilast Eye Drops?

Store Optilast below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Once opened, the bottle should be discarded after 4 weeks — even if solution remains — to reduce the risk of contamination and infection. Do not use the drops if the solution appears cloudy or discoloured. These azelastine eye drops come in an 8ml bottle, which is sufficient for a full course of seasonal treatment when used as directed.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Optilast and What Is It Used For?

Optilast Eye Drops contain azelastine hydrochloride 0.05%, an antihistamine medicine applied directly to the eye. They are used to treat the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis — an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids) triggered by allergens. Common triggers include grass and tree pollen, house dust mites, mould spores, and animal dander. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, swelling of the eyelids, and a watery or mucous discharge.

Optilast is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription but should be used under the guidance of a pharmacist. It is suitable for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (occurring during pollen season) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (occurring year-round). If you're also managing nasal hay fever symptoms, our allergy and hay fever range includes complementary treatments.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Optilast?

Before using Optilast Eye Drops, it's important to check whether they are appropriate for you. Do not use Optilast if any of the following apply:

• You are allergic to azelastine hydrochloride or any other ingredient in the formulation
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — consult your GP or pharmacist before use
• Your child is under 4 years of age
• You have an eye infection — Optilast treats allergic, not infective, conjunctivitis
• You are wearing soft contact lenses at the time of instillation (remove lenses first; wait 15 minutes before reinserting)

There are no clinically significant drug interactions known at ophthalmic doses. However, if you are using other eye drops or eye ointments, allow at least 5 minutes between applications. Always tell your pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking.

• No significant interactions with systemic antihistamines at ophthalmic doses
• Avoid concurrent use with other ophthalmic preparations without pharmacist advice

How Should You Use Optilast Eye Drops?

Using eye drops correctly makes a real difference to how well they work. Follow these steps each time you apply Optilast:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the bottle.
2. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before instilling the drops.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the bottle above your eye and squeeze one drop into the pocket — avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any surface.
5. Close your eye gently and press lightly on the inner corner (near the nose) for about one minute to reduce systemic absorption.
6. Repeat in the other eye if both are affected.
7. Replace the cap immediately after use.
8. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting soft contact lenses.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Optilast Eye Drops?

Like all medicines, Optilast can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and occur immediately after instillation.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Transient stinging or burning sensation in the eye immediately after application
• Bitter or unpleasant taste (due to drainage through the nasolacrimal duct)
• Mild eye irritation

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Blurred vision immediately after instillation (usually clears within a few minutes)
• Dry eye sensation
• Headache
• Eye discharge or increased lacrimation

Stop using Optilast and seek medical advice if you experience severe eye pain, significant vision changes, or signs of an eye infection such as increased discharge or crusting. These are not typical side effects of Optilast and may indicate a separate condition requiring treatment. You can also explore our broader eye care products if you need additional support.

How Should You Store Optilast Eye Drops?

• Store below 25°C — do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening, even if solution remains
• Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or if the bottle seal is broken on arrival
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label