I frequented the hospital as a kid because my eyes were constantly itchy. Because of that, I always had eye drops. Yours may be different and only require a one-off dosage or a regular one like mine. It all depends on the cause of your itchy eyes.

You may develop itchy eyes s a result of mild irritation or dry eyes. At the same time, it may stem from more severe issues like allergic conjunctivitis and blepharitis. The causes of your itchy eyes will determine whether or not you need an eyedrop and which eyedrop you’d need. 

In this article, we’ll highlight well-researched and medically approved eye drops you can use for itchy eyes. 

There are also very effective OTC eye drops, but it is best to use them only when your doctor or healthcare provider prescribes them!

Causes of Itchy Eyes

Before we look at the eye drops for itchy eyes, why itchy eyes in the first place? You might be wondering why you have itchy eyes, and here is why:

The eyes itch for several reasons, including allergies, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, eye strain, irritation, or even foreign objects. However, allergies are usually the general cause of itchy eyes. You could be allergic to dust and pollen or even sensitive to too much light.

When these allergens contact the surface of your eyes, histamines are released from the immune system cells.  These cells, called mast cells, trigger allergy symptoms.

Histamine, on the other hand, is a natural chemical produced by your body whenever you have an allergic reaction to something. Most times, this histamine released causes inflammation leading to disturbing eye issues like eye itching, red eyes, swollen eyes and sensitivity to light. 

Types of Eyedrops for Itchy Eyes

Saline Eye Drops

Saline eyedrops are mainly over-the-counter eyedrops and many people find relief from itchy eyes after using them. These eye drops, however, only contain sodium chloride and no genuine medication. They function by briefly flushing allergens from your eyes. They also provide much-needed moisture, which helps soothe dry, itchy eyes.

Saline eye drops are available in different varieties and name brands. When using, it is important to follow the directions provided at the rear of the product's container or your doctor’s directives.

Antihistamine Allergy Eye Drops

Antihistamine medications are available as eye drops and as oral medications. If you have itchy, watery eyes, antihistamine eye drops can make you feel better by obstructing the histamine produced when you have an allergic reaction to something.

Antihistamine medications work by instantly reducing your symptoms. But because the relief only lasts for a few hours, you might need to use it several times a day.

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will tell you more about how to use them safely and effectively. 

Decongestant Eye Drops

Decongestant eyedrops are the best to help ease redness and brighten your eyes, but for a short time. You can get them as OTC medications without a prescription, but medical professionals do not advise usage if you have eye allergic reactions. 

If you have glaucoma, you should also stay away from decongestant eyedrops. 

It is not also advisable to use decongestant eyedrops for so long because they can make your itching worse with ‘rebound redness’. And when you finally stop, the inflammation and swelling may continue.

Multiple-action Eye Drops

Some eyedrops are a combination of various medications. These are called multiple-action or dual-action eyedrops. 

Antihistamine/decongestant combination eyedrops minimize:

• eye itching
• watery eyes, and 
• soreness

While antihistamine/mast cell stabiliser combination eyedrops help to treat and also avoid:

• eye itching
• inflammation
• tearing
• burning

Recent eyedrops are particularly very useful for people with allergic conjunctivitis.

Mast Cell Stabiliser

Mast cell stabiliser eyedrops are a type of anti-inflammatory eyedrops and are among the latest kinds of eyedrops available today.

Mast cell stabiliser helps to avoid the release of histamine and other chemicals your body makes when reacting to an allergen. Their work is to prevent the symptoms of your eye allergy, which in most cases includes itching.

Unlike decongestant eyedrops, you can use these drops for more extended periods without side effects, especially if you wear contact lenses.

Anti-inflammatory Allergy Eye Drops

Anti-inflammatory eye drops fall under two categories:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Corticosteroids.

NSAID eyedrops affect certain nerve endings and change how your body makes you feel itchy. On the other hand, Corticosteroid eyedrops are for treating severe and long-term eye allergy symptoms.

Just like decongestant eyedrops, doctors do not recommend long-lasting use unless your case is severe, as it will only lead to side effects. 

However, when using corticosteroid eyedrops, be sure to check in with your opthalmologist regularly. You might also want to consider that using these eyedrops puts you at risk of having: 

• Cataracts
• Eye infection
• Glaucoma
• Increased pressure in the eye

Eye Drops You Can Use

1. Pataday

Active ingredient: Olopatadine

Description: Pataday eye drops are for treating itchy eyes caused by allergies.

Brand names: Pataday, Patanol, Pazeo

Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Dosage:

• For the 0.1% strength, you should use one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily.
• For the 0.2 and 0.7% strengths, you should use one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily.

Pros: 

• It is very convenient as you can use it once a day for effective results.
• It is available as an OTC medication
• You can combine it with oral allergy medications

Cons:

• It can cause eye irritation and common cold symptoms
• You can use it with contacts. Wait for 10 minutes after using before replacing your contacts.
• You can only use it for itching caused by allergies and not for itching caused by infections or contact lenses

Note: Do not use Pataday (olopatadine) for children under two years old unless a healthcare provider directs you to.

Availability: Amazon

2. Occulerg

Active ingredients: Antazoline sulphate and tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride.

Description: Relieves itchy eyes and eye allergies.

Brand Names: Antallerge

Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Dosage: 

• Adults: One or two drops in the affected eye(s) twice or thrice daily. (as directed by your opthalmologist).
• Adolescents and Elderly: One drop in the affected eye(s) twice or thrice daily. (as directed by your opthalmologist).

Pros: 

• Relieves redness and itchy eyes caused by allergens
• It is usually combined with oral eye medications like Loratyn.

Cons:

• Side effects include allergic reactions like rashes and itching around the eyes.

Note: Do not exceed the dosage except as stated by your ophthalmologist. 

Do not also use in children less than 2 years.

If your symptoms are not easing off after two days, it is best to visit your doctor. It may not be the right one for you.

Availability: You can get one in your local pharmacy in Nigeria. 

3. Visine-A

Active Ingredients: Naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic 

Description: Visine-A (for the eyes) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or itching caused by allergies to ragweed, pollen, grass, or animal dander and hair.

Brand names: Naphcon-A, Opcon-A

Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Dosage: Put one to two drops in the affected eye(s) up to four times a day. (as directed by your opthalmologist)

Pros:

• It is cheaper

Cons:

• The redness-relievers should not be used for a long time
• You cannot use it with contact lenses in your eyes
• It is only a temporary relief

Availability: Amazon, you can find Visine eyedrops in your local pharmacies. 

4. Acular

Active Ingredients: Ketorolac - the only approved NSAID for the treatment of itchy eyes.

Description: Acular eye drops are used to relieve eye itching caused by seasonal allergies.

Drug Class: Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents

Dosage: Acular is used 2 to 4 times per day, depending on the condition you are treating. 

Cons: Using it for a long time can lead to serious damage to your eyesight.

Availability: You can order now from Amazon.

Note: Don’t use if you are allergic to any other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

You can also look out for Acuvail.

5. Zaditor

Active Ingredient: Ketotifen

Description: Zaditor are mast cell stabiliser eyedrops. The active ingredient, Ketotifen is an antihistamine. These drops are used for treating itchy eyes caused by allergies to dust, pollen, animals, or other allergens.

Brand names: Alaway, Claritin Eye, Refresh Eye Itch Relief, Zaditor, Zaditen, Eyediten

Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Dosage: 

Pros

• It can be used for children of ages 3 and above.
• Fast relief

Cons

• You cannot use it when your contacts are on.

Availability: Amazon, you can also purchase it in your local pharmacies as Eyediten or Zaditen.

There are more eye drops you can use for itchy eyes. When you begin to have recurring symptoms, ensure you see an opthalmologist can you can be placed on medication.