Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Red, itchy, and irritated eyes can disrupt your daily routine, whether you’re tackling work, enjoying family time, or navigating India’s bustling streets. From seasonal allergies triggered by pollen to the strain of long hours on smartphones and laptops, eye irritation is a common complaint across urban and rural India. With diverse climatic conditions—humid summers, dusty monsoons, and dry winters—combined with rising pollution and screen exposure, eye issues like redness, dryness, burning, and itching are on the rise. Choosing the right eye drops from the vast array available in Indian pharmacies can feel overwhelming. To simplify your decision, we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to the best eye drops for eye irritation in India, focusing on effectiveness, active ingredients, affordability, and ease of use.
This guide highlights trusted products, their uses, and practical tips for application, alongside natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments tailored to Indian lifestyles. Whether you’re dealing with minor irritation from dust or a serious condition like conjunctivitis, this guide will help you find the right solution while emphasizing the importance of consulting an ophthalmologist for persistent issues.
Why Eye Irritation is a Growing Concern in India
India’s unique environmental and lifestyle factors contribute significantly to eye irritation. Urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru face high levels of air pollution, with dust and particulate matter irritating the eyes. Rural regions, meanwhile, deal with smoke from biomass cooking and agricultural dust. Seasonal changes, such as pollen-heavy springs or dry winters, exacerbate allergies and dryness. Additionally, the digital boom—India has over 800 million smartphone users as of 2025—has led to increased screen time, causing digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
Common causes of eye irritation in India include:
Allergies: Pollen, dust, and pet dander trigger allergic conjunctivitis, especially during spring and monsoon seasons.
Infections: Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (commonly called “pink eye” or “Madras eye” in India) is prevalent, particularly in humid climates.
Dry Eyes: Air-conditioned offices, prolonged screen use, and low humidity dry out the tear film.
Environmental Irritants: Pollution, smoke, and chemical exposure from industries or household products.
Post-Surgical Needs: Eye surgeries like cataract removal, common among India’s ageing population, require specialized drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
With the Indian eye care market growing rapidly, pharmaceutical companies like Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Zexus Pharma offer a range of eye drops catering to these issues. However, choosing the right product requires understanding your symptoms and their causes. Let’s explore the top eye drops available in India, categorized by their purpose and active ingredients.
Top Eye Drops for Eye Irritation in India
1. Zeximox-P Eye Drops: Dual Action for Infection and Inflammation
Best For: Bacterial infections, post-surgical care, conjunctivitis, uveitis
Zeximox-P, manufactured by Zexus Pharma, is a prescription eye drop combining Moxifloxacin (a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic) and Prednisolone Acetate (a corticosteroid). Moxifloxacin targets a wide range of bacteria, while Prednisolone reduces inflammation, pain, and redness. This makes Zeximox-P ideal for bacterial conjunctivitis, uveitis, or preventing infections after cataract surgery, a common procedure in India.
ZEXUS PHARMACEUTICALS – Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Key Benefits:
Fights bacterial infections effectively.
Reduces swelling and discomfort.
Trusted for post-operative care.
Precautions: Due to its steroid component, Zeximox-P requires a doctor’s prescription and supervision to avoid side effects like increased intraocular pressure. Avoid prolonged use without medical advice.
Availability: Available at major pharmacies like Apollo Pharmacy and Netmeds, typically priced at ₹150–₹200 for a 5ml bottle.
2. Zeximox-T Eye Drops: Broad-Spectrum Bacterial Defense
Best For: Aggressive bacterial infections, conjunctivitis
Zeximox-T combines Moxifloxacin and Tobramycin, two powerful antibiotics, offering broader coverage than single-antibiotic drops. Tobramycin enhances Moxifloxacin’s antimicrobial action, making this formula effective for acute bacterial infections causing redness, discharge, and discomfort. It’s particularly useful in humid regions where infections spread rapidly.
ZEXUS PHARMACEUTICALS – Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Key Benefits:
Rapidly eliminates bacteria.
Reduces redness and irritation.
Suitable for severe infections.
Precautions: Prescription-only; avoid overuse to prevent antibiotic resistance. Consult an ophthalmologist for prolonged symptoms.
Availability: Priced at ₹180–₹250 for a 5ml bottle, available at MedPlus and 1mg.
3. Oloxus Eye Drops: Allergy Relief for Sensitive Eyes
Best For: Allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal allergies
Oloxus, containing Olopatadine Hydrochloride, is a go-to solution for allergic conjunctivitis caused by pollen, dust, or pet dander—common triggers in India’s diverse climate. Olopatadine acts as a mast cell stabilizer and antihistamine, providing both immediate relief and long-term prevention of symptoms like itching, redness, and watery eyes.
ZEXUS PHARMACEUTICALS – Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Key Benefits:
Fast-acting relief from allergy symptoms.
Safe for regular use during allergy seasons.
Gentle on sensitive eyes.
Precautions: Avoid contact lenses during application. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a week.
Availability: Available over-the-counter (OTC) at ₹100–₹150 for a 5ml bottle, widely stocked at local chemists and online platforms like PharmEasy.
4. Ciplox Eye Drops: Trusted Bacterial Fighter
Best For: Bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers
Manufactured by Cipla, a household name in India, Ciplox contains Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic effective against bacterial eye infections. It’s a staple for treating conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and symptoms like burning, pus discharge, or crusty eyes. Its affordability and widespread availability make it a popular choice across India.
Ciplox Eye Drops
Key Benefits:
Proven efficacy against common eye infections.
Quick symptom relief.
Budget-friendly.
Precautions: Not suitable for viral or fungal infections. Avoid self-medication for more than 5–7 days.
Availability: Priced at ₹20–₹50 for a 10ml bottle, available at nearly all pharmacies and e-commerce platforms.
5. Clear Eyes Eye Drops: Soothing Relief for Mild Irritation
Best For: Redness, dryness, digital eye strain
Clear Eyes is an OTC eye drop designed for mild irritation caused by dust, pollution, or prolonged screen time—a frequent issue for India’s urban workforce and students. It contains Hypromellose (a lubricant), Naphazoline (a vasoconstrictor), Polysorbate, and Zinc Sulfate to hydrate and soothe tired eyes.
ZEXUS PHARMACEUTICALS – Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Key Benefits:
Instant relief from redness and dryness.
Ideal for environmental irritants.
Easy to carry for on-the-go use.
Precautions: Avoid continuous use to prevent rebound redness. Not recommended for children under 6 without a doctor’s advice.
Availability: Priced at ₹80–₹120 for a 10ml bottle, available at Apollo Pharmacy and Amazon India.
6. LUMIFY Eye Drops: Redness Relief with Cosmetic Appeal
Best For: Redness, cosmetic enhancement
LUMIFY, containing Brimonidine Tartrate, is a unique redness reliever that constricts blood vessels in the eye, making eyes appear whiter and brighter. Unlike traditional decongestant drops, LUMIFY minimizes the risk of rebound redness, making it a favorite among professionals, students, and media personalities in India.
ZEXUS PHARMACEUTICALS – Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Key Benefits:
Fast-acting (works within minutes).
Long-lasting (up to 8 hours).
Safe for occasional use.
Precautions: Consult an ophthalmologist for frequent use. Not suitable for glaucoma patients.
Availability: Priced at ₹300–₹400 for a 7.5ml bottle, available at premium pharmacies and online retailers.
7. Opcon-A Eye Drops: Allergy and Redness Relief
Best For: Allergic conjunctivitis, hay fever
Opcon-A combines Naphazoline Hydrochloride (a vasoconstrictor) and Pheniramine Maleate (an antihistamine) to tackle redness and itching caused by allergies. It’s ideal for those affected by pollen, pet dander, or dust, especially during India’s allergy-prone seasons.
ZEXUS PHARMACEUTICALS – Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Key Benefits:
Dual action for redness and itching.
Fast relief during allergy flare-ups.
Suitable for adults and older children.
Precautions: Limit use to 3–4 days to avoid dependence. Not for contact lens wearers during application.
Availability: Priced at ₹100–₹150 for a 15ml bottle, available at Netmeds and local chemists.
8. Rohto Eye Drops: Cooling Comfort for Tired Eyes
Best For: Digital eye strain, travel-related irritation
Rohto, a Japanese brand popular in India, offers a refreshing cooling sensation thanks to Tetrahydrozoline, Zinc Sulfate, and Hypromellose. These ingredients reduce redness, lubricate dry eyes, and refresh tired eyes, making Rohto ideal for office workers, students, and frequent travelers.
ZEXUS PHARMACEUTICALS – Best Eye Drops for Eye Irritation
Key Benefits:
Unique cooling effect.
Relieves dryness and fatigue.
Compact packaging for portability.
Precautions: The cooling sensation may feel intense initially but is harmless. Avoid overuse.
Availability: Priced at ₹150–₹200 for a 13ml bottle, available at Amazon India and premium pharmacies.
9. Visine Eye Drops: Classic Redness Reliever
Best For: Occasional redness, cosmetic use
Visine, with Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride, is a time-tested OTC drop that quickly reduces eye redness by narrowing blood vessels.