Dry eyes occur due to the breakdown and abnormalities of the tear film layer. This leads to the eyes not producing enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes tired, sore and uncomfortable. There are several ways to relieve dry eye symptoms, such as using the best eye drops for dry eyes, also known as artificial tears.
We offer a wide range of eye drops to relieve dry eyes, irritation and other common eye discomforts. In this article, we’ll explore the bestselling lubricating drops for both contact lens wearers and non-wearers and learn about other basics, such as what to look for in eye drops for dry eyes.
What is the tear film?
When you blink, a thin layer spreads over the front of your eye, which is called the tear film. It keeps the front of your eye healthy and helps you focus and see clearly. A healthy tear film is made up of three layers:
- Mucin (mucous) layer: This is the sticky inner layer that maintains the entire tear film. It helps the watery layer spread evenly across the surface of the eye, keeping the eye moist and nourishing the cornea.
- Aqueous (watery) layer: This is the middle water layer and the thickest one, which is mostly comprised of water. It keeps the eye hydrated, repels bacteria and protects the cornea.
- Lipid (oily) layer: Produced by the meibomian glands, this outer fatty layer prevents evaporation of the other layers and smooths the tear film surface for clear vision.
Each layer of the tear film is needed to keep your eyes moist. When any part of your tear film isn’t functioning properly, dry eye symptoms can occur. Dry, irritated eyes can be caused by external factors also such as extended screen time, central heating, air conditioning or prolonged contact lens wear.
Our top hydrating eye drops for dry eyes
Below are our bestselling eye drops that can help hydrate and revive dry, tired eyes:
1. Hycosan Extra Preservative-Free Eye Drops
Hycosan Extra Preservative-Free eye drops provide intensive hydration, making them an excellent choice for those with persistently dry and irritated eyes. They contain 0.2% sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid), a natural substance that intensely hydrates eyes and replenishes the tear film for effective relief. The preservative-free formula makes them ideal for sensitive eyes.
2. Thealoz Duo Preservative-Free Eye Drops
Thealoz Duo Preservative-Free Eye Drops help soothe and hydrate irritated, itchy eyes and provide lasting relief for moderate to severe dry eyes. They can also be used by people who spend long hours on screens or stay in dry environments, such as centrally heated and air-conditioned spaces.
One of the best eye drops for contact lenses, Thealoz Duo eye drops are clinically proven to thicken the tear film and provide moisturising effects that last at least 4 hours. You can reapply these artificial tears 4 to 6 times a day. They are also suitable for sensitive eyes, as they are preservative-free.
3. Systane Ultra Eye Drops
Systane Ultra Eye Drops provide long-lasting comfort and help relieve dry eyes with their intensely hydrating formula. These fast-acting eye drops for severe dry eyes effectively reduce gritty eyes, irritation and discomfort.
By restoring moisture to the eyes, these optician-recommended eye drops for dry eye rehydrate the tear film and help keep your eyes hydrated. They are compatible with silicone hydrogel and soft contact lenses.
Best eye drops for dry eyes caused by excessive screen time
Excessive screen time causes digital eye strain and affects eye health. With The Eye Doctor Screen Time Preservative-Free eye drops, you can soothe dry, tired eyes caused by long screen use. These eye drops help restore your eyes’ natural tear film and produce artificial tears. Ideal for computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain, these bestselling lubricating drops are suitable for anyone who spends long periods on screens.
These drops can be used with contact lenses and are suitable for sensitive eyes, as they are free from preservatives. You can easily use them while travelling without wasting a single drop, owing to their one-drop dispensing pump.
Popular eye drops for dry eyes by Blink
Blink is one of our bestselling eye care brands that caters to a wide range of users. Blink eye drops are designed to keep your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the day while soothing irritation and grittiness. Below, we’ve mentioned some of our most popular Blink eye drops:
1. Blink Contacts Soothing Eye Drops
Blink Contacts Soothing Eye Drops help soothe and refresh dry, tired and irritated eyes while keeping your contact lenses hydrated and comfortable throughout the day. These gentle and highly effective eye drops contain OcuPure® preservative. You can use them as often as needed throughout the day.
2. Blink-N-Clean Eye Drops
Blink-N-Clean Eye Drops are artificial tears that mimic your natural tears by instantly hydrating dry eyes. You can also use them to rewet and lubricate your eyes and refresh your contact lenses, keeping them clearer, fresher and more comfortable throughout the day. These optician-recommended eye drops for dry eyes gently clean your eyes by removing deposits, debris, dust and natural protein build-up that can cause discomfort or irritation, helping provide long-lasting comfort.
Best value: comfi Soothe Drops
Krina Halai, a Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts, recommends comfi Soothe Drops for persistent dry eyes, as they are rich in sodium hyaluronate that mimics natural tears.
These recommended eye drops for dry eyes form a protective shield that helps resist tear evaporation, keeping your eyes refreshed all day long. They offer long-lasting comfort and relief at an affordable price.
Comfi Soothe Drops can be used with or without contact lenses to rewet them on the go. These artificial tears hydrate your eyes and protect them against irritants, such as pollution, smoke, wind and excessive screen time.
Frequently asked questions
Do over-the-counter eye drops for dry eyes work well?
Yes, many over-the-counter eye drops from trusted brands effectively relieve dry eye symptoms. They usually contain lubricants, electrolytes (such as potassium) and humectants that help retain moisture.
Can I get prescription eye drops for dry eyes?
You can get prescription eye drops to treat chronic dry eye, as they help increase tear production. However, frequent use of preservatives can worsen your dry eye symptoms by damaging the corneal surface and causing inflammation. Therefore, you should choose preservative-free eye drops to soothe your dry eyes.
What else can I do to relieve dry eyes?
Other than using eye drops for dry eyes regularly, you can also make lifestyle changes to minimise dry eye symptoms, such as:
- Taking regular breaks from digital screens
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, as dehydration can affect your eyes
- Avoiding smoke, heavily air-conditioned rooms and excessive central heating
- Keeping your eyes clean and blinking frequently throughout the day to replenish moisture
- Getting regular eye exams to determine and address any underlying causes for dry eyes
Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eye care professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
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