The treatment of choice will depend on the individual’s symptoms and their cause. Use the WWHAM questions and refer to your pharmacist when necessary.

Always ask if the customer wears contact lenses, as this may influence product choice, and check product labels to determine suitability. When choosing between drops and ointments, some customers may find drops easier to administer or may dislike the additional blurring of vision seen with ointments. Others may prefer the longer-lasting effects of ointments, particularly if they use the product at night.

Also, remind customers about good hygiene: wash hands before and after applying medication and don’t touch the applicator tip to the eye’s surface. They should also note any expiry dates and not use open products for longer than stated on the label.

Treating dry eye

Eye drops, sometimes called ‘artificial tears’, are designed to relieve the discomfort and irritation of dry eye syndrome. Soothing ingredients include propylene glycol, PEG400, carbomer, hypromellose and witch hazel. Look for suitable products from OTC brands Systane, Optrex, Murine and Biotrue.

More recently, eye sprays have been introduced (e.g. Optrex Actimist). These relieve symptoms of dry, irritated, itchy eyes and can be sprayed onto closed eyes three to four times a day.

Treating infective conjunctivitis

Bacterial infective conjunctivitis may be treated using OTC antibacterial eye drops or ointments. Active ingredients include chloramphenicol, propamidine isethionate and dibromopropamidine, and brands include Brochlor, Brolene, Golden Eye and Optrex Infected Eyes. If no improvement occurs within the specified treatment time (see individual product labels), the customer should be referred to the pharmacist.

Treating allergic conjunctivitis

Sodium cromoglicate is a mast cell stabiliser that helps reduce the amount of histamine released when a susceptible individual encounters an allergen such as pollen. OTC brands include Opticrom Allergy, Optrex Allergy and Murine Hayfever Relief. Some products are not suitable for children under six.

Treating irritant conjunctivitis

Eye drops containing naphazoline relieve redness by reducing the size of blood vessels in the conjunctiva. These may be useful for redness caused by temporary irritation. Brands include Murine Irritation and Redness Relief and Optrex Bloodshot Eyes.