What drops can I use to soothe my dog's eye?

My dog has just decided to run after a squirrel, she was on a lead so didn't get far, but she managed to run right into low brambles and twigs. I'm pretty sure she either got a scratch or poke to the eye as she immediately came out with her eye shut. There is no cut or blood to the outer, but she won't let me open her eye and she's rubbing it like we do when something is in there or she has a scratch. I'd like to use a drop (like we would use Optrex) that has a soother in it, so I could manage to open her eyelids to have a look. Can anyone tell me what I can get over the counter or should I just leave it and see how it progresses?

Hi Sandnotoil!   So, can anyone tell you what to get over the counter, OR should you just leave it and see how it progresses?   I'm afraid that neither of those courses of action is medically appropriate.  Defects to the cornea (the clear, outer surface of the eye) are known as ulcers and are extremely painful.  Even if not deep, the likelihood is that a dog will scratch or rub at them, making things worse and threatening their vision.  Corneal ulcers are a true emergency as if they are treated incorrectly, particularly if they turn out to be deep, can result in blindness.  We suggest that you don't put anything on it, but rather call your vet and explain what has happened, so that they can examine the cornea properly.  Only then is it possible to know what sort of treatment is appropriate.

I have looked out an article for you that might be interesting.  https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2021/06/06/what-are-the-signs-of-conjunctivitis-in-dogs-and-how-is-it-treated/ Essentially, an ulcer is a cut to the eye (as a scratch is a cut to the skin).  There are many nerve endings to the front of eyes and that is what makes them so intensely painful.  There is also the risk of deeper damage or of there being a foreign body there, which can be excruciating.  No vet will prescribe courses of drops for eyes until they have established whether or not there may be damage to the cornea, underlying damage (e.g. glaucoma, uveitis, foriegn body), pain or complications (e.g. 'melting' ulcer).   This really is one for your vet - to call them for triage immediately.