Opcon-A is a Bausch + Lomb eye drop that combines an antihistamine with a redness reliever. It treats itchy, red eyes caused by pollen, ragweed, grass, and animal dander. The drops are sold over the counter in a 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) bottle.
Shoppers want to know if Opcon-A really works or if it is just another redness drop. The formula pairs pheniramine maleate with naphazoline, which is why it hits both itch and redness. Drugs.com users rate it 5.4 out of 10. The bottle cap and rebound redness drive most complaints.
This review covers how Opcon-A works, what real users say, and how it compares with Pataday, Zaditor, Alaway, and Naphcon-A. Our team at Optimal Weight Plan reviewed the label, the ratings, and the prices. Read on before you buy a bottle.
What Is Opcon-A?
Opcon-A is an over the counter antihistamine and redness reliever eye drop made by Bausch + Lomb. Each sterile 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) bottle holds two active ingredients. The label lists naphazoline HCl 0.02675% and pheniramine maleate 0.315%.
The drops are made for adults and children 6 years and older. They temporarily relieve itching and redness caused by pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander. Opcon-A is the same formula family as Naphcon-A and Visine-A.
Who Makes Opcon-A and What Is in the Bottle?
Bausch + Lomb makes Opcon-A as a sterile ophthalmic solution. Inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride, boric acid, edetate disodium, hypromellose, purified water, sodium borate, and sodium chloride. The package is child-resistant, and many users find that cap very hard to open.
Key Facts:
| Detail | Opcon-A |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bausch + Lomb |
| Active ingredients | Naphazoline HCl 0.02675%, pheniramine maleate 0.315% |
| Bottle size | 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) |
| Ages | 6 years and older |
| Dose | 1 to 2 drops, up to 4 times daily |
How Does Opcon-A Work?
Opcon-A works with two ingredients that target itching and redness separately. Pheniramine is an antihistamine. Naphazoline is a decongestant. Together they calm the allergic reaction and clear the red look.
Pheniramine blocks histamine, the chemical that triggers itchy, watery eyes. Naphazoline narrows swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye. That narrowing is what makes the whites of the eyes look clear again.
How Do You Use Opcon-A Drops?
The label directs adults and children 6 years and older to put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye up to 4 times daily. Remove contact lenses first. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface. Children under 6 need a doctor's advice.
Steps:
- Wash your hands and remove contact lenses.
- Tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid.
- Squeeze 1 or 2 drops into the eye without touching the tip.
- Close the eye for a moment and replace the cap tightly.
What Are the Benefits of Opcon-A?
Opcon-A offers fast relief from itching and visible redness in one drop. Many users say the effect shows within a minute. The combination formula covers two symptoms that single-ingredient drops handle separately.
Does Opcon-A Relieve Eye Itching?
Yes. The pheniramine in Opcon-A blocks histamine and eases itching from pollen, ragweed, grass, and pet dander. Reviewers with seasonal allergies call it effective. By comparison, newer once-daily drops such as Pataday last longer per dose.
Does Opcon-A Reduce Redness?
Yes. Naphazoline shrinks surface blood vessels, so red eyes look white within minutes. One Drugs.com reviewer said bloodshot eyes looked normal one minute after a drop. The catch is that this effect is cosmetic and temporary.
What Do Opcon-A Reviews Say?
Opcon-A earns mixed reviews, with an average of 5.4 out of 10 on Drugs.com from 34 ratings. About 44% of reviewers report a positive experience and 38% report a negative one. Retail listings score higher, with Amazon showing about 4.7 stars across roughly 22,000 ratings.
Review Snapshot:
| Source | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drugs.com | 5.4 out of 10 | 34 reviews, 44% positive, 38% negative |
| Amazon (twin pack) | 4.7 out of 5 | About 22,000 ratings |
| Dry Eye Rescue | 3.0 out of 5 | 1 review |
What Do Positive Reviews Say?
Happy users praise the speed and the strength of the relief. One reviewer called it the best eye drop they ever used for allergy tearing. Another said it beat Visine for redness. Long-time seasonal users say it works year after year.
What Are the Common Complaints?
The biggest complaint is the cap. Several reviewers could not open the child-resistant bottle, and one used pliers. Others report stinging on application and enlarged pupils. One user got blurry vision from dilated pupils and said they would not use it again.
How Does Opcon-A Compare With Pataday, Zaditor, Alaway, and Naphcon-A?
Opcon-A ranks fifth of five in the U.S. News allergy eye drop ranking, behind Pataday, Zaditor, Alaway, and Naphcon-A. Pataday scored 100 and Opcon-A scored 20. The ranking favors drops that avoid the redness-reliever ingredient and last longer per dose.
Comparison:
| Drop | Key Ingredient | U.S. News Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pataday Once Daily | Olopatadine 0.7% | 100 |
| Zaditor | Ketotifen 0.025% | 69 |
| Alaway | Ketotifen | 26 |
| Naphcon-A | Naphazoline and pheniramine | 24 |
| Opcon-A | Naphazoline and pheniramine | 20 |
Naphcon-A uses nearly the same formula as Opcon-A. Pataday and Zaditor contain no redness reliever, so they carry less rebound risk. Opcon-A suits short-term use when you want both itch and redness relief fast.
What Are the Side Effects of Opcon-A?
Opcon-A can cause brief stinging, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. The stinging usually fades within a minute or two. Overuse may cause more eye redness, a known effect of naphazoline.
Common Side Effects:
- Mild burning or stinging
- Dilated pupils
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
Who Should Avoid Opcon-A?
Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, trouble urinating from an enlarged prostate, or narrow-angle glaucoma. Skip it if you are allergic to either ingredient. Stop use and see a doctor if you have eye pain, vision changes, or redness lasting more than 72 hours.
Is Opcon-A Safe?
Yes, when used as the label directs. Opcon-A is a standard over the counter drug, and WebMD lists the same formula under Naphcon-A. Do not use it longer than directed. Pregnant and breastfeeding users should talk to a doctor first.
How Much Does Opcon-A Cost?
Opcon-A costs about $9 to $11 for common pack sizes. Amazon listed the twin pack (2 bottles of 15 mL) at $10.97 at the time of research. Dry Eye Rescue listed a single 15 mL bottle at $8.95. Prices change, so check before you buy.
Is Opcon-A Worth the Price?
Yes for occasional flare-ups. A twin pack costs about $5.49 per bottle. That is cheap for fast itch and redness relief. Daily long-term users may prefer a once-daily antihistamine drop instead.
Where Can You Buy Opcon-A?
Opcon-A sells at CVS, Walmart, Wegmans, Amazon, and online eye care shops. No prescription is needed. The drops are FSA eligible at CVS. Check the seal and expiration date before you use any bottle.
Is Optimal Weight Plan Worth It?
Eye drops treat symptoms for a few hours. Allergy flare-ups often tie back to inflammation, sleep, and daily habits. Our coaches at Optimal Weight Plan build full wellness plans that address those root drivers, not just the symptom of the day.
You get a coordinated approach to nutrition, movement, and recovery. Lower inflammation and steadier energy come from consistent habits, and our team builds a plan around exactly that.
Ready for a plan built to last? Book a free call with our coaches and pair quick relief with a program that targets the cause.
