Optilast Eye Drops

Optilast is a medication used for the treatment of eye symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, more commonly known as hay fever. Optilast is an antihistamine in the form of eye drops that relieves the painful effects of allergies on the eyes like redness, inflammation, and irritation. Sometimes Optilast is prescribed along with an oral antihistamine.

These eye drops can be used in children over four years old for hay fever symptoms but for the symptoms of non-seasonal allergies, it is only recommended to be used in children over 12 years old.

Optilast contains azelastine hydrochloride as its active ingredient. Azelastine hydrochloride is a compound with antihistaminic and anti-allergic properties. It decreases the histamine-mediated symptoms of allergies.

Histamine production is a part of the immune response. Histamine binds to specific receptors present specific cells all over the body called the H1 receptors. After binding to these receptors, histamine triggers various allergic reactions. Histamine secretion causes swelling, inflammation, excess mucous production, and expansion of blood vessels.

Azelastine hydrochloride blocks the H1 receptors and diminishes the symptoms of allergic responses. It reduces the inflammation of the cells of the outermost layer of the eye and relieves irritation.

There are several benefits of using Optilast, if you have hay fever related eye symptoms, using these eye drops in the allergy season can mean the difference between constant eye discomfort to moderate relief. Optilast stops the releases of histamine in the eye tissues.

Some major benefits of using Optilast are:

• It treats puffy and swelled eyelids.
• It relieves painful itchiness, watering, and inflammation of the eyes.
• It also acts as a decongestant and relieves the redness of the eyes.

Always use this medication according to your doctor’s directions. If you are not sure how to use these eye drops ask your doctor or a pharmacist.

• Wash your hands before using this medication.
• Don’t touch the dropper or let it touch your eye or any or any other surface to avoid any sort of contamination.
• Tilt your head backward and pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch.
• Administer 1-2 drops in your lower lid and close your eyes
• Wipe away the excess liquid with a soft cloth or tissue paper.

The dosage of this medication depends upon the symptoms and conditions of your eye. The commonly prescribed dosage of Optilast is 1-2 drops in each eye after an interval of 8-12 hours. It is better to use Optilast regularly during hay fever season or when around allergens.

Contact your doctor immediately if your symptoms are getting worse.

This medication is not for children under four years of age.

It is important to take precautions when using this medication.

• Make sure that you are not hypersensitive to Azelastine hydrochloride or any other ingredient present in this medication.
• Ask your doctor if you can wear contact lenses during the course of treatment with this medication.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any prescription or non-prescription medication before using Optilast.
• If your doctor has allowed you to wear contact lenses, take out your lenses before using these drops and wait ten minutes before putting them back on.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine.
• Eye drops sometimes cause temporarily blurred vision, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery right after using this medication.
• Ask your doctor if you want to stop using this medication before completing the course of treatment.
• If an allergen is anticipated like pet fur or dust mites, use this medication beforehand to avoid any discomfort.
• Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction after using any other antihistamine medication.

Like almost every medicine, Optilast eye drops also have its side effects but everyone may not experience them.

Some common side effects of this medication are:

• Mild irritation that goes away in a while.
• Temporarily blurred vision.

If you notice rashes, increased irritation, and swelling, you might be having an allergic reaction. If this happens stop using these eye drops immediately and contact your doctor.

• Treatment and prevention of the symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children 4 years and older.
• Treatment of the symptoms of non-seasonal (perennial) allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children 12 years and older.