Opticrom is an allergy treatment that’s used to stop, relieve and tackle allergic conjunctivitis - uncomfortable allergy symptoms which tend to affect both of your eyes at the same time. Allergic conjunctivitis is thought to affect between 15%-40% of the population, with ‘seasonal’ allergic conjunctivitis making up more than half of those cases. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis usually refers to hay fever, as it only normally affects people at certain times of the year (when the pollen count is high).
Year-round (perennial) allergic conjunctivitis, though, is often triggered by environmental allergens that are present throughout the year, such as animal fur or dust mites. These are present throughout the year - often making it a more persistent and chronic condition. Redness, itching, swelling (particularly of the eyelids), tears and stringy discharge are common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Your eyes will probably feel uncomfortable and sore, as well.
How does Opticrom work?
Allergic reactions occur when your body wrongly perceives a ‘trigger’ (allergen) to be a threat. It then produces a chemical called histamine in order to fight the substance, which causes your typical uncomfortable allergy symptoms.
Opticrom works by reducing the amount of histamine from being released by your eye - easing your symptoms as a result.
What doses of Opticrom are there?
Opticrom is only available in one dose: 2% w/v, but the amount of it you use per day may vary, depending on the instructions of our clinician. If it’s not working to ease your symptoms at the maximum daily dose, you might need to try an alternative treatment.
OpticromSodium cromoglicate
How to use Opticrom
You should always take Opticrom as instructed by our clinician. It’s pretty straightforward to take, but you should always take the time to familiarise yourself with the instructions.
To take Opticrom:
wash your hands;
make sure that the tamper-proof seal on the bottle isn’t open. A gap between the bottle and cap is normal for a bottle that hasn’t been opened;
remove the cap from the bottle;
tilt your head back;
squeeze one or two drops into your lower eyelid, without touching your eye;
close your eye;
wipe away any excess liquids from (or around) your eyes with a clean tissue;
always replace the cap on the bottle as soon as you’ve finished using it;
repeat the process in your other eye, if you need to.
You usually need one or two drops in each eye four times a day, but your clinician will advise you on the most suitable amount for you. Make sure you speak to a clinician if you feel like the dosage you’re taking isn’t helping your symptoms.
The drops might make your eyes feel blurry, and can affect your ability to drive and use machines. If you feel that your vision is blurred after taking Opticrom then you shouldn’t try to drive or use any machinery until you can see clearly.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (or think you might be pregnant, or you’re trying to conceive) then make sure you mention this to your clinician before you start taking this medicine.
If you’re allergic to sodium cromoglicate then you shouldn’t use Opticrom.
How long does it take Opticrom to work?
It can take a few days from when you first use Opticrom until you start to feel relief from your conjunctivitis or hay fever symptoms. Don’t get disheartened if you don’t feel instant relief, if you continue to take your treatment it shouldn’t take too long until you start feeling better.
If you still haven’t noticed a positive effect after a week or two, chat to our clinician. It might be the case that you need to try an alternative treatment.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Opticrom?
If you make a mistake with your Opticrom treatment and take too much, or accidentally swallow it, then you should seek medical help straight away. You should take whatever medicine is remaining with you so that a medical professional can see what you’ve taken and how much.
If you forget to take your dose then you can take it as soon as you remember, so long as it’s not too close to your next scheduled dose. If it is too close to your next dose, then simply skip that one and continue as normal. Don’t double up on doses to make up for missed ones.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
OpticromSodium cromoglicate
OpticromSodium cromoglicate
FAQ: Opticrom
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Opticrom similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
Yes. Opticrom is a very similar treatment to a medication called Optilast. They’re both antihistamine treatments for your eyes, and they both work in largely the same way in the body, but they aren’t exactly the same.
They contain different active ingredients, which can make a difference for some people (for instance if you’re sensitive or have an allergy to one of the active ingredients). The active ingredient in Opticrom is sodium cromoglicate, whilst the active ingredient in Optilast is azelastine hydrochloride.
How is Opticrom different from other treatments for allergic conjunctivitis?
Answer:
Opticrom is a little different to treatments like Otrivine eye drops, which contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant.
This means that if you have symptoms in your nose as well as your eyes (also known as rhinoconjunctivitis) then Otrivine may be a more suitable option for you, as the additional decongestant can help tackle further symptoms like a blocked up nose.
Do I need a prescription for Opticrom?
Answer:
No, you don’t need a prescription for Opticrom. But a pharmacist prescriber will still need to speak to you to check that it’s safe and suitable for you to use before you can buy it. They might also show you how to use it if you haven’t before.
Why should I buy Opticrom online with Treated?
Answer:
If you’re looking for fast, effective and convenient relief from frustrating allergy symptoms like hay fever, talk to us about your health. Our expert team can offer a range of suitable treatments alongside tailored advice, on flexible subscriptions that work for you.
Your medication will be delivered straight to your door as and when you need it. And you can change, pause or cancel your subscription whenever you like.
Our clinicians will check in with you regularly to find out how you’re getting on with your treatment, but if you have any questions about your condition or treatment then you can easily get in touch with us whenever you need to.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Update on pathophysiology and prospects for future treatment. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, [online] 115(1), pp.118–122.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
This treatment category isn't suitable for the gender you have selected.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
