Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Optrex with my contact lenses?

The following Optrex products can be used without removing your contact lenses:

• Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray
• Optrex Dry Eye Drops
• Optrex Dry Eye Drops Singles

The rest of the Optrex range can be used by contact lens wearers but you need to remove your lenses before applying the drops and leave them out for at least fifteen minutes after application.

Can using a computer damage my eyes?

There's no evidence of computers causing long term eye damage, but long periods spent concentrating at a screen can make your eyes feel tired, dry and sore. Click here to use our treatment advisor to find out the best Optrex product for your specific needs.

What's the easiest way to apply eye drops?

Our 'How to apply Optrex Dry Eye Drops' section will tell you how.

What if I find putting drops in my eye difficult?

You may like to try NEW Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray. The spray is applied to closed eyelids so there's no need to touch your eye to apply them.

If you find drops, gels and washes difficult & messy to apply then this is an ideal alternative.

Can I use Optrex Products every day?

Most of the Optrex range is suitable for every day use as part of your general eye care regime, including Optrex Refreshing Eye Drops, Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray. Optrex Dry Eye Drops, Optrex Dry Eye Drops Singles, Optrex Multi Action Eye Wash, Optrex Sore Eye Drops

You can use Optrex Eye Brightening Drops and Optrex Red Eye Drops regularly, although we do not recommend daily use.

Optrex Allergy Eye Drops can be used when suffering or you know you will be exposed to an allergen, such as pollen. Please ask your pharmacist for advice on this.

Always read the label of the product for full usage information

Where can I get expert advice?

Your pharmacist can supply products to treat minor eye problems and advise whether you may need to visit your GP or an optometrist. Get your eyes tested yearly, as an optometrist will check your vision and your eyes' general health. If you have an eye injury with pain or loss of vision, go directly to the nearest hospital Accident & Emergency unit.

What can I do to soothe my eyes when I have hayfever?

Optrex Allergy Eye Drops can help soothe and prevent itchy, allergy eyes. (This product contains sodium cromoglicate. Always read the product pack and leaflet carefully.) For more about hayfever and your eyes, visit the Allergies and Hayfever advice section.

Can I inherit hayfever?

Many allergies tend to run in families, so children of parents with allergies are very likely to develop an allergic condition themselves. But it may take a different form, so a parent with eczema and asthma may have a child with hayfever.

Are some people more likely to develop hayfever than others?

Apart from the genetic or inherited factors described in the previous answer, there do not seem to be any 'at risk' groups. You are most likely to develop hayfever in your 20s.

Can I get rid of an allergy?

It may be possible to limit an allergy, or the illness resulting from it, by avoiding the allergen or treatment with drugs. Sometimes the problem can go away for no apparent reason. If you suffer from hayfever then Optrex Allergy Eye Drops can help soothe and prevent itchy, allergy eyes.

Why does hayfever sometimes start in later life?

Often someone only becomes sensitised by repeated exposure to a substance. It can take a combination of circumstances and events to result in an allergy, which may happen when you are older.

Why should I watch the pollen count?

The pollen count is the number of pollen grains per cubic metre averaged over 24 hours. When it exceeds 50 per cubic metre, most people who have hayfever will have symptoms, although some people can suffer at much lower concentrations. Pollen counts usually peak between April and August.

Will I suffer from hayfever when I go abroad?

Once established, hayfever tends to recur every year, but this depends entirely on exposure to the allergen. If you visit another country where the pollens you encounter are different, you may escape the symptoms unless you are repeatedly exposed. Many plants that cause hayfever, like grasses, can be found around the world.

Will I grow out of hayfever?

Hayfever usually starts after you are 10 and reaches a peak at about 20. It tends to tail off and should no longer prove troublesome by around 45.

What happens if I accidentally spray Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray into my open eye?

A slight short term burning sensation may occur if the product is sprayed inadvertently onto open eyes or from too short a distance. However this feeling quickly passes and causes no harm.

Can I use Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray if I am wearing eye make-up?

Yes. The product can be used over already applied make up. Only one spray should be applied and the distance between the spray and the eye should be greater (aprox 20cm). There are no known allergic reactions between Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray and make-up or cosmetics.

Can I use Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray while wearing my contact lenses?

Yes. Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray is safe to use while wearing contact lenses. In fact, it makes wearing contact lenses much more comfortable.

How long is the shelf life of Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray?

The product has a 3 year shelf life and the 100 metered doses can be used at any point during this time.

How should I store my NEW Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray?

Store the spray at room temperature (between 2°C and 25°C) and in a cool, dry place. Keep away from children. After first use the bottle maybe used until the expiry date - there is no need to discard after 28 days as is the case with many eye drops. Do not use after the expiry date.

Can I safely share my Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray with my family or friends?

Yes. Optrex ActiMist™ Eye Spray is sealed with a non venting pump so remains sterile during use. Therefore the product can be safely shared between users.

Why does the spray mechanism stop working before the end of the bottle?

For technical reasons the bottle cannot be emptied completely. The bottle is therefore 'over filled' to guarantee that 10ml of the product can be used.