My 9 month old terrier has developed sticky eyes and has a creamy discharge from them. I took him to the vet a while ago and as I'd suspected it's more than likely due to the pollen. He gave me some ointment to use once a day, which I managed for three days before it became a physical battle. He absolutely hates me doing it and although you'd think a puppy would be easy to bribe, he isn't! I've tried getting him used to me touching around the eye area by calming him and gently stroking but as soon as I try to actually open his eyes slightly he's off. Tried it with my husband holding him which turned into such a struggle we almost came to pining him down and we both felt so awful. I've also tried it when he's sleeping deeply but he just won't have it. Every morning now he wakes up with very sticky eyes which I have to bathe gently which he isn't keen on but I can hold him long enough to soften where it's dried. He rarely rubs his eyes although I'm sure they must irritate. I mentioned the problem at the vets last week but was told this is the only ointment I can use and it's that or basically wait until a change the pollen season is over. Not an ideal solution!
So, I'm wondering if anybody here can suggest how I can help him. My other terrier is a doddle for tablets, medicine etc so I thought this chap would be the same but he has his own personality!
Is there something I can give him that might help? He doesn't ever sneeze, it really is just his eyes. 
Thank you.

If he doesn't sneeze and it is only his eyes affected then I would just continue cleaning his eyes with cotton wool and warm water twice a day.  If you and hubby are both struggling to get anything else done just let it be.  You are not only stressing the dog, but yourselves.  You are obviously doing the best you can.  So don't beat yourself up about it.  There is obviously no infection so keeping them unstuck is good. 

Thank you. Yes you are right, at the moment we all get stressed by it and I hate knowing that it upsets him. If only I could make him understand that it'll make him better!

You could try colloidal silver for bathing his eyes it has wonderful healing properties also if its seasonal how about cetirizine or portion it works for some dogs and the vet would be able to advise or you can buy over the counter just don't tell them its from the dog

Try some optrex to help rinse his eyes daily, it is quiet safe! Don't tell anyone it if for the dog as they will not sell it to you !!!

Thank you all again for your help. Fingers crossed.

Has your Vet ruled out things like entropian or distichiasis? These can cause irritation to the eyes too.  I think if it were me, I'd want a second opinion if it hasnt cleared up with drops.

Incorrect tear production / Dry eye in dogs can cause a white discharge - if the vet doesn't find any underlying infection you can ask for a tear production test to see if he is under producing. (though I warn you now it is a quick 2 min test but bits of paper/tape are put on the eye and dog has to stay still for about 60 secs with the tape there) Clinitas Soothe drops are what you can safely use especially before a walk if it is dry eye or irritated - that's a sort of soothing eye moisturiser drops - but again might be worth double-checking with your vet before putting alternative things in his eyes. You can also try 1/2 a piriton tablet once a day (piriton not the one a day piriteze, the weaker ones) - my terrier had that on vet advice when he was about the same age as your so should be ok but if in doubt ask the vet.

Hope your little one gets better soon.

Thanks, yes he saw a different vet last week and she is also confident it's pollen. Even she tried putting drops in but he won't have it and I'm not going to stress him out, he'd have to be pinned down for it to happen and no way will we do that. She also suggested piriton so that's what we'll try. He's fine in himself and doesn't rub or scratch his eyes - he's just anti eye drops!