Use ketotifen eye drops (Zaditor/Alaway)

What to Do

Apply ketotifen 0.025% (Zaditor or Alaway) 1 drop in each affected eye twice daily, 8-12 hours apart. Available OTC without a prescription.

Why It Works

Ketotifen is both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer, providing dual-action relief. It blocks histamine receptors to stop itching immediately and prevents future histamine release from mast cells. Clinical trials show it is the most effective OTC eye drop for allergic conjunctivitis.

Tips

• Works within minutes for itch relief
• Remove contact lenses before applying; wait 10 minutes before reinserting
• Generic store-brand versions are identical and much cheaper
• Can be used preventively before expected pollen exposure