OCuSOFT Inc. is introducing its latest addition to a product line of dry eye-targeted solutions: NEW OCuSOFT Retaine Allergy original prescription-strength antihistamine drops for eye allergy itch relief.
First, a quick company rundown.
Headquartered in Rosenberg, Texas, the privately-held eye and skin care company that started off developing ophthalmic-based products of proprietary brands in 1986.
OCuSOFT has since expanded its product lineup beyond eye care (including dry eye and general eye care resources) to include skin care and junior care.
Zeroing in on dry eye, however, the company’s offerings include:
- Eyelid cleanser pre-moistened pads
- Lid scrub foaming eyelid cleanser
- Preservative-free artificial tears
- Dry eye masks
- Nutritional supplements
Gotcha. Now talk about these new eye drops.
Formulated with an olopatadine hydrochloride (HCl) ophthalmic solution, USP 0.2%, these antihistamine eye drops are intended to provide ocular symptom relief from an allergic reaction (allergic conjunctivitis) due to:
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Grass
- Ragweed
- Other contaminants
What’s the story behind olopatadine?
First: Olopatadine HCL ophthalmic solution was FDA approved in 2004.Next: Olopatadine ophthalmic drops are typically used to decrease inflammation and redness within the eye by blocking the release of histamine chemicals that cause such allergy symptoms.
Compared to ketotifen, a popular antihistamine for allergic/seasonal conjunctivitis: Olopatadine has been found to reduce allergic conjunctivitis symptoms earlier.
- Case in point: A 2018 study found that olopatadine significantly reduced symptoms by the fourth day of use (vs after Day 15 for ketotifen). Other supporting data can be found here.
Nice! So what’s the recommended dosage?
Per OCuSOFT, one drop is intended to be administered in the affected eye(s) no more than once per day.
- How fast it works: Ideally, patients should feel relief that starts within minutes and lasts all day, for optimal long-term allergy symptom support.
Note: If using other ophthalmic products, the company advises waiting at least 5 minutes in between products.
How are the drops packaged?
The formulation is packaged in a 2.5 mL multi-dose bottle with a 30-day supply of tears.
And the price?
The product clocks in at $14.95 (excluding shipping and handling).
Important: Purchases are non returnable.
Also: Per OCuSOFT, these are also FSA and HSA eligible.
Gotcha … and do these drops help calm the eyelids as well?
Unfortunately, the Retain Allergy eye drops are meant only to be used on the eye. However, the company noted that calming irritated eyelids can also aid in providing overall ocular relief.
How: By removing allergens from the eyelids and, as a result, reducing the risk for transferring such allergens into the tear film.
What’s OCuSOFT’s product recommendation for this?
OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Allergy eyelid cleanser, intended to remove oil, debris, pollen, and other contaminants from the eyelid.
- Key to this product: Its leave-on-formula comprised of green tea extract, tea oil, and phytosphingosine (PSG-2)
- Note: Clinical research has supported the use of PSG-2 for supporting the skin’s barrier function and providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to help in treating acne and inflammatory skin conditions.