Best eye drops for dry eyes 2023

Medically reviewed by Wut Win, Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts

When people talk about dry eyes, they are usually referencing the uncomfortable sensation that happens when there is a fluid deficiency in the tear film. When this happens, eyes can feel achy, tired and sore.

Luckily, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes; one way is to use eye drops (also known as artificial tears). There are many eye drops on the market designed to aid different eye issues. All new eye drops contain hyaluronate, which is used as a lubricant for the tear film layer. Below we go through the best eye drops to treat dry eye syndrome.

In order to understand what to look for in eye drops for dry eyes, we first need to understand the tear film layer.

When we blink, a tear film spreads over the eye, making the surface smooth and clear. The tear film is made up of the following three layers:

• Mucin layer – this is the adhesive inner layer that keeps the entire tear film fastened to the eye. It helps the watery layer spread evenly over the surface of the eye so that the eye remains moist. It also nourishes the cornea.
• Water (aqueous) layer - this is the middle layer (the thickest layer) comprised mostly of water. This layer keeps the eye hydrated, repels bacteria and protects the cornea.
• Oil (lipid) layer – prevents other layers of the tear film from evaporating and keeps the surface of the tear film smooth for the eye to see through.

Source: @DryEyeCoach via Twitter

Each layer is needed for the tear film to keep our eyes moist. When any part of our tear film isn’t functioning properly, dry eye symptoms can occur.

Dry eyes can be an uncomfortable daily reality for many people. Dry and irritated eyes can be caused by external factors such as too much screen time, central heating, air conditioning or from wearing contact lenses.

Some conditions and medications can also cause dry eyes, including:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Bell’s palsy
• HRT/Oral contraceptives
• Antihistamines
• Hypertensive agents (beta blockers)
• Graves’ disease
• Acne medications (e.g. Roaccutane)

If you have one of the above conditions or take medication, consult your optician before starting a new course of treatment.

Best hydrating eye drops for dry eyes

Below are some of the best available options to hydrate and revive tired eyes.

Hycosan Extra Dry Eye Drops

Hycosan Extra Dry Eye Drops are incredibly hydrating, making them an excellent choice for those with persistently dry and irritated eyes. The preservative-free formula (ideal for sensitive eyes) contains 0.2% Hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid), a natural substance which attracts moisture to the eyes and replenishes the tear film for intense hydration and effective relief. Hycosan Extra Dry Eye Drops can be used up to 6 months after opening.

Systane Hydration Eye Drops

Systane Hydration eye drops feature hyaluronate, which has strong water retention and visco elastic properties. Combined, these properties increase corneal wettability and decrease friction during blinking.

The solution combines HP-Guar, Borate and Hyaluronate, which upon instillation becomes elastic and spreads easily over the surface of the cornea. Between blinks, the molecules of the combined HP-Guar, Borate and Hyaluronate formula stick to the mucin layer of the tear film. This provides increased hydration and keeps the solution on the ocular surface for longer compared to solutions containing Hyaluronate-only eye drop options.

Systane Hydration creates a moisture layer that attaches to the cells in the epithelium, entrapping water and promoting greater hydration, lubrication, and protection than hyaluronate alone. This stimulates restoration of damages to the ocular surface in patients with dry eye syndrome.

Systane Hydration provides ultimate hydration and lubrication to soothe and moisturise dry and gritty eyes. Suitable for use with all soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel lenses, these eye drops will rewet your contact lenses so that your eyes are kept hydrated throughout wear. They offer temporary relief from burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye. These eye drops last up to three months after opening.

Systane Ultra Eye Drops

Systane Ultra eye drops will provide long lasting comfort and relief to dry eyes with its intensely hydrating formula. These eye drops are fast-acting and effective in combatting irritation and discomfort caused by dry eyes. By re-introducing moisture to your eyes, these eye drops rehydrate and replenish the tear film, battle the effects of central heating and excessive screen use and keep your eyes nicely hydrated. These eye drops are suitable for use with silicone hydrogel and soft contact lenses. Systane Ultra must be discarded six months after opening.

Hycosan Plus

Hycosan Plus is great for lubrication and also supports the healing of a damaged surface of the eye due to dry eye or following surgical procedures such as cataracts surgery. This preservative-free eye drop is suitable for use with both soft and hard contact lenses and can be used 3 times a day or as often as you like. Bear in mind that these eye drops must be discarded 6 months after opening.

Best eye drops for itchy tear ducts

If you find your eyes are irritated and itchy, the following eye drops featured below will help to soothe itchy eyes and provide immediate relief.

Artelac Rebalance Eye Drops

Artelac Rebalance eye drops are an excellent choice to soothe recurrent dry, tired, irritated eyes and they help with itchy tear ducts. These innovative eye drops by Bausch & Lomb feature a unique formula which matches the pH of your natural tears to replenish the tear film and soothe itching and dryness. Artelac Rebalance contains hyaluronic acid, a hydrating agent naturally occurring in tears. The hyaluronic acid remains in place when the eye is open and becomes more fluid when blinking. It works with viscoelactor (PEG 8000) to strengthen the tear film without blurring vision. The Vitamin B12 in Artelac rebalance gives it its rose colour.

Artelac Rebalance should be applied 3-5 times a day but if required, it can be used as often as needed. It is safe to use with both soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Once opened, these eye drops should be discarded after 2 months.

Clinitas Soothe Eye Drops

Clinitas Soothe uses sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the tear film and mimic the eye’s natural tears. The sodium hyaluronate binds with the mucin layer of the tear film for prolonged relief. It also helps to heal superficial keratitis, an eye disorder affecting the cornea, by forming a protective coating which prevents further damage and speeds up corneal repair.

These eye drops can help to soothe itchy tear ducts, providing long-lasting comfort to dry eyes with its preservative-free formula. Clinitas Soothe Eye Drops are easy to use and offer convenience with a re-sealable dropper designed for daily use. Each dropper can be used for up to 12 hours after opening and contains 10-12 drops which are suitable to use with contact lenses.

Hycosan plus and Thealoz Duo Eye Drops are also great alternatives and can help with itchy tear ducts.

While the above products are excellent choices for soothing itchy tear ducts, they will not treat the root of the problem.

Itchy tear ducts can be a symptom of tear duct infection. When a tear duct becomes blocked and tears cannot drain away, bacteria can collect in the area and cause infection.

Inflammation from a cold or sinus infection may also cause a blocked tear duct which can lead to itching and infection.

Tear duct infections can cause the following:

• swelling of the lower eyelid’s inner corner
• pain in the lower eyelid’s inner corner
• excessive tearing
• discharge from the eye

The patient will need antibiotics to clear the infection. Wearing wrap sunglasses and blinking regularly can also aid treatment.

Best eye drops for dry watery eyes

Watery eyes can be an inconvenience as it can cause temporary blurred vision. The eye drops below are ideal for helping you to control the overproduction of tears.

Systane Balance Eye Drops

Systane Balance provides long lasting relief from evaporative dry eye symptoms such as burning and irritation, which can be caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). It is especially therapeutic when used with a heated eye mask such as our Optase Moist Heat Eye Mask. These eye drops restore the lipid layer of the tear film and help to protect the surface of the eye. They can be used before and after wearing contact lenses but not whilst wearing them

Best eye drops for dry eyes after excessive screen time

Excessive screen time is a growing problem, which can have a negative impact on your eye health. Soothe eyes tired from too much screen time with the eye drops mentioned below.

Hycosan Fresh Eye Drops

Hycosan Fresh is excellent for refreshing eyes after excessive time spend using a digital screen (for example, if you’ve spent all day in front of a computer). These preservative-free eye drops are compatible with contact lenses and contain Sodium Hyaluronate and Euphrasia. Sodium Hyaluronate replenishes the tear film while Euphrasia reduces redness. These drops work on the mucin layer of the tear film to stop the watery part of the eye cascading off.

Hycosan Fresh can be used as and when needed throughout the day and should be discarded 6 months after opening.

Another eye drop that is great for dry eyes after excessive screen time is Hycosan Extra.

Other recommended dry eye drops

At Feel Good Contacts we stock a range of dry eye drops, including preservative-free eye drops for severe dry eyes and intensive tears which require fewer applications. The following eye drops by Blink contain preservatives but turn preservative free once inserted into the eye. All the eye drops listed below are effective formulas for relieving dry and irritated eyes.

Blink Contacts Bottle Eye Drops

Blink Contacts can be used by all types of contact lens wearers. These eye drops soothe irritated eyes and ensure that your contact lenses stay hydrated, smooth, and comfortable all day long. They contain OcuPure preservative which turns preservative-free once in the eye. You can use these eye drops as often as required throughout the day. However, they must be discarded 45 days after opening.

Blink Intensive Tears Plus Eye Drops

Blink Intensive Tears Plus is an ultra-soothing eye gel drop. This product is thicker than Blink soothing eye drops, and you should remove your contact lenses before using this product to avoid blurry vision. The viscosity hypotonic formulation provides all-day relief as these drops stay on the surface of your eyes for lasting comfort and protection. Ideal for contact lens wearers who suffer from dry, irritated or uncomfortable eyes, these drops are suitable to use day or night. Use these drops before the expiry date and within 45 days of opening. While these eye drops contain OcuPure preservative, this ingredient turns preservative-free on the eye which means you can continue to use these eye drops as often as you need to throughout the day.

Blink Intensive Triple Action Eye Drops

Blink Intensive Triple Action eye drops utilise sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E to help dry and gritty eyes. These ingredients stop the tear film from evaporating, keeping eyes comfortable and healthy all day long. This 3-in-1 action eye drop reinforces the lipid layer of the tear film to provide moisture, protection and a soothing feeling that lasts for the entire day. Use these drops before the expiry date and within 90 days of opening. If you wear contact lenses, there is no need to remove them before use. These eye drops contain polyhexanide Methylbiguanide which becomes preservative free on the eye, therefore making them suitable for use as often as needed.

Blink Intensive Eye Drops

Blink Intensive Tears will soothe tired eyes. Use these drops to rewet your lenses (they can be applied with your lenses still in) or use them alone to rehydrate eyes throughout the day. These eye drops are designed to mimic your natural tears for lasting comfort. Use before the expiry date and within 3 months of opening.

Best value: comfi Soothe Drops

comfi Soothe Drops offer incredible comfort and long-lasting relief at an affordable price. These drops are rich in sodium hyaluronate (HA), which replicates your natural tears, perfect for persistently dry eyes. These drops can be used with or without your contact lenses in, making them ideal for rewetting your lenses on the go. These drops will keep your eyes hydrated and protected from irritants like pollution, smoke and wind as well as excessive screen time. These drops must be used before the expiry date and discarded 60 days after opening.

Eye drops for dry eyes are best used in conjunction with supplements such as omega fish oils and eye mask compresses. For optimal results, we recommend using a compress such as Optase Moist Heat Eye Mask.

Can you buy eye drops for dry eyes over the counter?

You can buy eye drops for dry eyes over the counter as well as gels, ointments and supplements for dry eyes. Over the counter (OTC) eye drops usually contain lubricants and electrolytes, such as potassium and humectants. Humectants are used to help retain moisture.

Can you get dry eye drops on prescription?

You can get prescription drops to treat chronic eye problems, including dry eye symptoms. For example, Cyclosporine is a prescription eye drop which treats inflammation caused by keratoconjunctivitis sicca (also known as dry eye syndrome). Cyclosporine increases tear production and is recommended to use about 6 months minimum twice daily. This eye drop is available as a prescription only.

Most eye drops on prescription contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Frequent use of preservatives such as BAK are risky as they can cause dry eye symptoms to get worse by damaging the corneal surface and increasing inflammation.

What else can I do to alleviate dry eyes?

Another method to minimise dry eyes is to take regular breaks from digital screens. Too much screen time will cause eyes to feel tired, dry and sometimes irritated. So, try to look away from the screen at least once every 20 minutes to keep eyes feeling rested. Keeping hydration levels up by drinking plenty of water is also important, as dehydration can affect your entire body, even your eyes.

Your environment can also make your eyes feel dry, avoid smoke, heavily air conditioned rooms as well as excessive central heating. You should also keep your eyes clean and remember to blink frequently throughout the day as this can help replenish moisture. If you’ve made the above lifestyle changes and/or tried eye drops to no avail, you should contact your optician.

Here at Feel Good Contacts, we provide the highest quality eye drops at the lowest prices. On our site you can find top brands including Blink, Hycosan, Théa and Systane. We also have our own comfi Soothe Drops, a brand exclusive to Feel Good Contacts.

Remember that you can find eye drops at the most affordable prices with us. Enjoy a 10% discount the first time you shop with us. Thereafter you can save up to 50% on your eye care products when you shop with us compared to high street opticians, so you can always be sure you are getting the best price.

As well as eye care products like eye drops, you can also buy prescription glasses online at Feel Good Contacts, alongside contact lenses and sunglasses at the most affordable online prices.

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