How to pick the best eye drops for dry eye
Relief starts with choosing the right type of drop. Here’s what to know.
Dry, itchy or burning eyes can be frustrating. They may feel tired after a long day, or sensitive to wind, light or even air conditioning. Many people use over-the-counter eye drops to find relief, but not all drops work the same way.
Choosing the right type of eye drop can help ease the symptoms and protect eyes from further problems. In some cases, seeing an eye care provider may be the best next step.
What causes dry eye
Dry eye happens when the eyes don’t make enough tears, or when the tears dry out too fast. This is because tears help protect the surface of the eye and keep vision clear. When the eyes get too dry, it can lead to redness, a gritty feeling, blurry vision and even trouble focusing.
This condition may happen with age, after staring at screens for a long time or in dry or windy air. Some medications and health conditions may also cause dry eye. People who wear contact lenses may notice more dryness, too.1
How eye drops can help
Most people with dry eye start treating the condition with over-the-counter eye drops. These are often called artificial tears. They help replace the eye’s natural moisture and ease the feeling of dryness or irritation.2
Many artificial tears use ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). These ingredients coat the surface of the eye to help keep it moist. Some drops also have oils or other ingredients to stop tears from drying out too fast.
There are also thicker eye drops called gel. These stay in the eye longer and may be helpful for more serious dry eye, especially in the evening. At night, some people use eye ointments, which are even thicker. Ointments are helpful during sleep but can blur vision, so they’re usually not used during the day.2
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Preservative versus preservative-free drops
Some eye drops include preservatives to keep germs out of the bottle.2 These preservatives are safe in small amounts but using them too often can irritate the eyes or make dryness worse.
People who need to use drops more than four times a day, or who have sensitive eyes, may feel better using preservative-free eye drops.2 These drops often come in small single-use vials or in special bottles that keep germs out without needing added chemicals.
How to choose the right eye drops
The best type of drop depends on what’s causing the dry eye and how often it happens. Many people with mild dryness do well with basic artificial tears. Others may need a gel or ointment for longer-lasting relief.
People who wear contact lenses should look for drops that say “safe for contacts” on the label. These are often preservative-free and are designed not to build-up on lenses.
For those who work in dry rooms, fly often or stare at screens for long hours, drops that include moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid may work better. Some drops are made for specific types of dry eye — like dryness caused by a lack of oil in the tear film. A provider can help figure out which type is needed.
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Other dry eye treatments
Sometimes, even the best over-the-counter eye drops may not solve the problem. If the eyes still feel dry, red or blurry after regular use of drops, it may be time to talk with an eye care provider.
Prescription treatments are available. Some prescription eye drops help the eyes make more of their own natural tears. Others reduce swelling on the eye’s surface. A provider might even suggest in-office treatments. One example is punctal plugs. These plugs are placed in the puncta, or tear ducts, and may help keep tears in the eye.3
Treating dry eye early helps protect the surface of the eye and avoid serious problems. Without treatment dry eye can lead to:4
- Corneal damage
- Headaches
- Infections
- Long-term changes in vision
If the symptoms don’t go away — or keep coming back — an eye exam is the best next step. An eye care provider can check for signs of damage, infection or tear problems. Getting the right treatment early can protect vision and improve comfort in daily life.
Sources:
- Dry Eyes. Cleveland Clinic, June 20, 2025
- Artificial tears: How to select eye drops for dry eyes. Mayo Clinic, January 31, 2025
- Punctal plugs. American Academy of Ophthalmology, September 30, 2024
- Consequences of Untreated Dry Eyes. Optometrists Network
