OphthalmologyWeb Market Share Analysis for April 2026

As unemployment rates stay high and more people lose insurance coverage, increasing numbers of patients are asking their physicians for cheaper alternative medications. Ocular allergy is very common, with a prevalence at least four times that of nasal allergy symptoms1. Symptoms can include itching, tearing, conjunctival edema, hyperemia, burning, and discharge. While there are many different causes of bilateral conjuncitivits such as atopic and vernal, allergic is the most common type encompassing 80-90% of all types. Many prescription strength anti-allergy ophthalmic drops are available and include Bepreve (ISTA), Lastacaft (Allergan), and Patanol/Pataday (Alcon). While effective, some patients are without insurance and simply cannot afford them. That said, some of the least expensive anti-allergy drops are available over the counter. In the majority of cases, these cost less than generic prescription medications. The question is: Do they work?