I have horrible allergies. It strange, because when I was growing up, I was never allergic to anything except bee and wasp stings. But somehow over the years, I’ve developed an allergy to a lot of different types of pollens, dusts, and molds. Consequently, I have problems breathing and constantly experience itchy, watery eyes.
For years, I used Visine A.C. (allergy control) eyedrops to help sooth my eyes. It was effective at times, while at other times, not so much.
Visine claims effectiveness in relieving eye discomfort resulting from an allergy to pollen, dust, and ragweed. Its dual action formula is also supposed to be effective in eliminating red, swollen eyes.
Visine is recommended only for temporary relief and is not recommended for constant use. One to two drops used up to four times a day helps to sooth the itchy, watery, and painful eye pain so often caused by allergy irritants. While it is safe for use by most adults, in dosages outlined, it isn’t recommended for children under the age of six.
Visine A.C. comes in a 1 fl oz bottle and is relatively inexpensive at around $6.99 per bottle.
I personally found that Visine soothed my irritated eyes and helped with the redness. However, it did nothing for me to alleviate the itch and my eyes continued to water excessively. Therefore, I give Visine A.C. three out of five stars.
Last year, when my eye irritation increased to its worst point, a friend of mine suggested switching to Similasan Allergy Eyes. I did and discovered that I much prefer Similasan to Visine.
Similasan Allergy Eyes works slightly differently than Visine in that is stimulates the eye’s natural ability to fight the symptoms of allergies. Studies have found no side effects or drug interactions with this particular brand of eyedrops. They are, in fact, considered naturally gentle and are free of the rebound effect often experienced by Visine users.
Like Visine, Similasan seeks to relieve allergy symptoms like itching, burning, inflammation, and redness. However, unlike Visine, it can be applied as often as needed and is considered safe for use by adults and children over the age of two because of its natural ingredients. Studies prove that Similasan is even safe for the most sensitive eyes.
Similasan also comes in a 1 fl bottle, with an average cost of $9.50. Additionally, it is available in preservative-free single-use droppers through certain drug and health food stores, for a slightly higher cost.
Even though Similasan is more expensive than Visine, I think it is well worth the cost. I found their eyedrops to be much more effective overall. I had less “need” to use them, but I was content knowing that I could use them as often as needed. I give Similasan Allergy Eyes five out of five stars.
In dealing with any product that treats the eyes, however, every precaution should be taken. A physician should be contacted in the event of:
Prolonged tingling,
Increased redness,
Eye pain, and
Blurred or obstructed vision.
For safety reasons, the product should not be used more often than recommended. Also never use a product that has become cloudy or changed in color.
Head to head, Similasan Allergy Eyes is simply a better product than Visine A.C. Discard all open bottles after 30 days.
