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- Optrex Bloodshot Eyes Eye Drops –...
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops 10ml provide temporary relief from eye redness caused by minor irritation, including exposure to dust, smoke, swimming pool chlorine and eye strain.
The formula contains two active ingredients: naphazoline hydrochloride 0.01% w/v and distilled witch hazel 12.5% v/v.
Naphazoline helps reduce the appearance of redness by temporarily narrowing the small blood vessels on the eye surface. Witch hazel has mild astringent properties that complement the redness-relieving action.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops are intended for short-term relief of minor eye redness in adults and children over 12 years of age.
They are classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK.
What Are Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops Used For?
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops temporarily relieve redness caused by minor eye irritation.
Common triggers include:
- Dusty environments.
- Smoke exposure.
- Chlorine in swimming pools.
- Eye strain.
- Other minor environmental irritants.
These drops are not intended to treat bacterial or viral eye infections, allergies requiring specific treatment, or serious eye conditions.
How Do Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops Work?
Bloodshot eyes develop when small blood vessels on the eye surface become dilated and more visible.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops contain two active ingredients.
Naphazoline Hydrochloride 0.01%
Naphazoline is an ocular decongestant. It temporarily constricts superficial blood vessels, reducing visible redness.
Distilled Witch Hazel 12.5%
Witch hazel, also known as Hamamelis water, has mild astringent properties.
Together, these ingredients provide temporary relief from redness associated with minor irritation.
Benefits of Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops
Targeted Redness Relief
Temporarily reduces visible redness caused by minor eye irritation.
Dual-Ingredient Formula
Combines naphazoline with distilled witch hazel.
Convenient Application
Can be applied as needed, up to four times daily.
10ml Bottle
Supplied in a compact bottle for convenient application.
What Causes Bloodshot Eyes?
Bloodshot eyes occur when the blood vessels on the eye surface become enlarged or more noticeable.
Possible causes include:
- Dust and airborne particles.
- Smoke and pollution.
- Swimming pool chlorine.
- Eye strain.
- Dryness.
- Allergies.
- Eye infections.
- Contact lens irritation.
Not every cause of redness is suitable for treatment with redness-relieving drops.
Persistent redness, significant discomfort or changes in vision require professional assessment.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops for Eye Strain
Prolonged visual concentration can contribute to eye discomfort and redness.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops may temporarily reduce visible redness associated with minor eye strain.
However, they do not correct underlying vision problems or replace appropriate eye care.
Regular screen breaks and an eye examination may be helpful if symptoms recur.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops for Dust and Smoke Irritation
Exposure to dust or smoke may cause temporary irritation and redness.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops can help reduce the appearance of redness when symptoms are mild.
If a chemical has entered the eye, rinse immediately with clean running water and seek urgent medical advice rather than using redness-relieving drops.
Can Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops Be Used Every Day?
These drops are intended for temporary relief, not regular long-term use.
Repeated or prolonged use of naphazoline can cause rebound redness, where the eyes become redder after the medicine wears off.
If redness persists, worsens or repeatedly returns, seek professional advice.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops vs Optrex Infected Eye Drops
These products have different purposes.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops contain naphazoline and witch hazel. They temporarily reduce redness caused by minor irritation.
Optrex Infected Eye Drops contain chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used to treat acute bacterial conjunctivitis.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops do not contain an antibiotic and should not be used to treat suspected bacterial conjunctivitis.
Who Can Use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops?
The product is intended for adults, older people and children over 12 years of age.
Children under 12 must not use it.
Who Should Not Use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops?
Do not use the drops if you:
- Are allergic to naphazoline, witch hazel or any other ingredient.
- Have closed-angle glaucoma.
- Have serious eye disease.
- Have previously undergone eye surgery.
- Are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the previous 14 days.
- Are under 12 years old.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have:
- High blood pressure.
- Heart disease.
- Depression.
- Diabetes.
- An overactive thyroid.
- Atherosclerosis or other significant blood vessel disease.
- Dry eye syndrome or corneal problems.
- Other eye conditions or use prescribed eye medicines.
Seek urgent advice for a painful red eye, changes in vision, significant light sensitivity or redness associated with contact lens wear.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before using Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops.
The suitability of naphazoline should be assessed individually.
Active Ingredients
Naphazoline Hydrochloride 0.01% w/v
A decongestant that temporarily narrows blood vessels on the eye surface to reduce visible redness.
Distilled Witch Hazel 12.5% v/v
Also known as Hamamelis water, with mild astringent properties.
Other Ingredients
- Glycerin.
- Boric acid.
- Borax.
- Disodium edetate.
- Benzalkonium chloride.
- Purified water.
Important Ingredient Information
Contains Benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium chloride is a preservative that may irritate the eyes, particularly in people with dry eyes or a compromised corneal surface.
It can also be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops are not preservative-free.
Adults and Children Over 12 Years
Gently instil one or two drops into each affected eye, as required.
Maximum frequency: Four times in 24 hours.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
How to Use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Remove the bottle cap.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it.
- Instil one or two drops into the affected eye.
- Close your eye gently.
- Repeat for the other eye if required.
- Replace the cap immediately after use.
Avoid touching the dropper tip against the eye, skin or other surfaces.
Do not share the bottle.
How Often Can I Use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops?
Use only when required for minor redness.
Do not apply more than four times in a 24-hour period.
Frequent use may worsen redness over time.
How Long Can I Use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops?
The product is intended for short-term use.
Stop using the drops and seek medical advice if redness worsens, persists or does not improve within 24 hours.
Do not continue using the product to mask persistent redness.
Can I Use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops With Contact Lenses?
Do not apply the drops while wearing soft contact lenses.
Remove soft contact lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
However, if your eyes are red or irritated while wearing contact lenses, stop lens wear and seek advice from an eye-care professional before restarting.
Can I Use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops With Other Eye Drops?
Ask a pharmacist before combining these drops with other eye medicines.
Naphazoline may interact with certain medicines used for glaucoma.
What If I Accidentally Use Too Many Drops?
Excessive use can cause irritation, stinging and potentially serious effects if sufficient naphazoline is absorbed.
If a large amount is used or the medicine is swallowed, seek medical advice immediately.
Accidental swallowing is particularly dangerous for children.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Keep the bottle securely closed.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use after the printed expiry date.
- Discard unused drops 28 days after first opening.
- Do not use if the solution becomes cloudy or changes colour.
Eye Irritation
Temporary stinging, burning or discomfort may occur following application.
Rebound Redness
Repeated or prolonged use may cause the eyes to become redder after the medicine wears off.
Stop using the product if redness increases or persists.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may develop itching, swelling, redness or irritation due to sensitivity to an ingredient.
Stop using the drops if you suspect an allergic reaction.
Dryness and Corneal Irritation
The preservative benzalkonium chloride may cause eye irritation and affect the tear film.
This may be more noticeable in people with dry eyes or corneal conditions.
Pupil Dilation
Naphazoline may occasionally cause pupil dilation.
In susceptible people, this may trigger a serious rise in eye pressure.
Serious Effects From Excessive Exposure
Excessive exposure to naphazoline, particularly following accidental swallowing, may cause serious effects on the heart, circulation and nervous system.
These can include abnormal heart rate, blood pressure changes, drowsiness and breathing problems.
Seek urgent medical attention if the product is swallowed.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice
Seek urgent assessment if you experience:
- Significant eye pain.
- Reduced or altered vision.
- Severe sensitivity to light.
- Marked swelling.
- A cloudy eye.
- Severe headache with eye pain.
- Eye injury or chemical exposure.
- A red or painful eye associated with contact lens wear.
Suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Frequently asked questions
What are Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops used for?
They provide temporary relief from eye redness caused by minor irritation, such as dust, smoke, chlorine and eye strain.
How do Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops work?
Naphazoline temporarily narrows blood vessels on the eye surface, reducing visible redness. Witch hazel has mild astringent properties.
Do Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops make eyes look less red?
Yes. They temporarily reduce visible redness caused by minor irritation.
Can Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops treat an eye infection?
No. They do not contain an antibiotic and are not intended to treat bacterial eye infections.
Can I use Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops every day?
They are intended for temporary use rather than regular long-term treatment. Repeated use can cause rebound redness.
How long should I use them?
Stop using the drops and seek medical advice if redness persists, worsens or does not improve within 24 hours.
