Optase Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops Single Dose Units (x20)

Are Optase Allergy Eye Drops the Right Preservative-Free Choice for You?

If your eyes itch, water, or feel gritty every time pollen season arrives — or whenever you're around cats, dust, or other triggers — you're not alone. Allergic conjunctivitis affects millions of people in the UK each year, and finding a drop that actually soothes without causing further irritation can feel like a challenge in itself. Allergy eye drops preservative free formulations have become increasingly popular precisely because they avoid the preservatives that can aggravate already-sensitive eyes. Optase Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops Single Dose Units (x20) are designed with that in mind — each vial is used once and discarded, so there's no risk of preservative build-up over time. You can browse our full range of eye care products if you're looking for additional support alongside these drops.

Each pack contains 20 individual single-dose units, giving you a convenient, hygienic option whether you're at home, at work, or on the go. At £9.99, it represents solid value for a month's worth of daily relief during peak allergy season.

How Do Optase Allergy Eye Drops Work to Relieve Symptoms?

The drops combine two key ingredients — sodium hyaluronate and ectoine — to tackle allergic eye symptoms from more than one angle. Here's how they work:

• Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring molecule that helps retain moisture on the ocular surface, stabilising the tear film and reducing the dryness that often accompanies allergic reactions.
• Ectoine is a naturally derived extremolyte that forms a protective hydration shell around cells and proteins on the eye's surface, helping to shield against allergens and reduce the inflammatory response that causes itching and redness.
• Together, these ingredients help to calm the ocular surface without the need for antihistamines or steroids, making them suitable for regular, ongoing use.
• Because the formula is preservative free, there is no risk of the preservative-related toxicity that can occur with multi-dose bottles used over extended periods.

Who Should Consider Using Optase Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops?

These drops are well suited to anyone who experiences eye symptoms linked to allergies — whether seasonal or year-round. They're particularly useful if you've found that other eye drops sting or cause further irritation, which is often a sign of sensitivity to preservatives. People who wear contact lenses may also find them helpful, provided lenses are removed before use.

• Adults and children suffering from hay fever-related eye symptoms
• People with perennial allergic conjunctivitis triggered by dust mites, pet dander, or mould
• Contact lens wearers who need a preservative-free option
• Those who prefer a single-dose format for hygiene and convenience

If you're managing broader allergy symptoms alongside itchy eyes, it's worth exploring our allergy and hay fever range for complementary treatments.

How Do Optase Allergy Drops Compare to Other Eye Drop Options?

Are Optase Allergy Eye Drops Safe to Store and Use Long Term?

Optase Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops should be stored below 25°C and kept away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze them. Each single-dose unit must be discarded immediately after use — even if solution remains in the vial — to prevent contamination. Because they are allergy eye drops preservative free, they do not contain the antimicrobial agents that allow multi-dose bottles to be kept open for weeks, so single-use discipline is essential.

These drops are not intended to replace medical treatment for severe or persistent eye conditions. If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of use, or if you develop pain, significant vision changes, or discharge, stop using the drops and seek advice from your GP or pharmacist promptly.

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 Are Optase Allergy Eye Drops and What Are They Used For?

Optase Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops are a sterile ophthalmic solution supplied in 20 individual single-dose units. They are used to relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis — the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelids) triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, watering, and a gritty or burning sensation.

Allergic conjunctivitis is extremely common in the UK, particularly during spring and summer when grass and tree pollen counts are high. The NHS notes that hay fever affects around one in five people in the UK at some point in their lives, and eye symptoms are among the most frequently reported complaints. These drops offer a preservative-free approach to managing those symptoms directly at the ocular surface.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Optase Allergy Eye Drops?

Before using these drops, read the following carefully. They are not suitable for everyone, and certain conditions or circumstances require extra caution.

Do not use these drops if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate or ectoine
• You have an active eye infection — drops will not treat infection and may worsen it
• You are wearing soft contact lenses at the time of instillation
• The single-dose unit seal is broken or the packaging is damaged

Take care and speak to a pharmacist or GP if:

• You have been diagnosed with glaucoma or another chronic eye condition
• You have recently had eye surgery
• Your symptoms include eye pain, significant vision changes, or purulent (pus-like) discharge — these may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical assessment
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — while topical eye drops have minimal systemic absorption, it is always sensible to seek professional advice

Known drug interactions:

• No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified for sodium hyaluronate or ectoine ophthalmic drops
• If you are using other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least 5–10 minutes between applications and apply ointments last

How Should You Use Optase Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops?

Using these drops correctly ensures you get the most benefit and avoid contamination. Follow these steps each time:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the unit.
2. Twist off the tip of the single-dose unit — do not use scissors, as this may contaminate the solution.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and look upward.
4. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
5. Hold the unit above your eye and squeeze gently to instil one to two drops into the pocket.
6. Blink gently to spread the solution across the eye surface.
7. Repeat in the other eye if needed.
8. Discard the unit immediately after use — do not save it for later, even if solution remains.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Optase Allergy Eye Drops?

Side effects with these drops are uncommon, but as with any ophthalmic product, some people may experience mild reactions. If you're also managing wider allergy symptoms, our allergy and hay fever collection includes additional options that may help.

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

• Brief stinging or burning sensation immediately after instillation
• Temporary blurred vision — avoid driving until vision clears

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

• Mild redness or watering of the eye shortly after use
• A sensation of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)
• Eyelid irritation

Stop using the drops and seek medical advice if you experience worsening redness, pain, swelling, or any change in vision that does not resolve quickly.

How Should You Store Optase Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops?

Correct storage keeps the drops sterile and effective. If you're travelling with them, they're compact enough to carry in hand luggage — though it's worth checking current liquid restrictions. You might also find our travel health range useful for managing allergies away from home.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not freeze
• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Discard each single-dose unit immediately after use — they are not designed for multiple applications
• Do not use if the packaging is damaged or the seal is broken