How do I choose Japanese eye drops? Which Santen, Rohto, or Lion product is right for me?

Updated 2026-10-234 sources

Three questions to ask yourself first

1. How much cooling do you want? Japanese eye drops often show the cooling level on the box with a number or scale. If you like an instant wake-up feeling, pick a strong one; if it's your first time or your eyes are sensitive, pick a mild one.
2. Do you wear contact lenses? Most regular eye drops say in the insert that they can't be used while wearing soft contact lenses. If you need drops you can use with lenses in, choose a contact-lens product whose box says “コンタクト” (for example, Sante Beauteye Contact or V Rohto Contact Premium).
3. Which ingredients do you want? The “成分” (ingredients) section on the back of the box lists vitamins, taurine, and so on. More ingredients doesn't mean it suits you better; check the indications listed in the insert.

Popular products with travelers (indications per official inserts)

All of these are Class 2 OTC drugs, and their inserts list uses such as eye strain, conjunctival redness, and itchy eyes. Prices generally range from a few hundred to just over a thousand yen; see the Kakaku.com reference price on each product page.

Taking them home and flying

• Eye drops are medicines. Rules on bringing medicines into your country vary, so check your own country's customs rules for personal-use quantities, and keep the box and insert.
• In your carry-on: each bottle must be ≤100 mL and go in your 1 L clear resealable bag. Small eye-drop bottles are usually fine; if you buy a lot, put them in checked baggage.
• Once opened, eye drops are generally meant to be used up within a certain period; see the insert for details.

When not to self-treat

If you have significant eye pain, a sudden drop in vision, or worsening redness and swelling, see a doctor instead of relying on eye drops. Use medicines according to the package insert or your doctor's instructions; this site does not give medical advice. For more on categories, see How to choose OTC medicines at Japanese drugstores.