The Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes in 2024
We’ve rounded-up the Best Eye Drops according to Reviews and Innovative Treatments Reshaping Dry Eye Clinics.
Dry Eyes
Dry tired eyes can affect your everyday activities. However, with the right eye treatments and practices, it’s possible to find comfort and improve your eyes considerably.
It’s important to choose the right eye treatment based on your specific needs and preferences, and to consult an Ophthalmologist if symptoms include severe photosensitivity and blurred vision.
Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms
Dry Eyes is a condition where the tear glands fail to produce sufficient tears or the tears evaporate too quickly because they are poor quality, also known as meibomian gland dysfunction. The result is dry irritated eyes.
Dry eyes can cause symptoms like a scratchy feeling, eye pain, and sometimes sensitivity to light.
Types of Lubricant Eye Drops
Over-The-Counter (OTC) are on par with their overseas counterparts in South Africa. These include drops with or without preservatives, suitable for people with dry eyes with contact lenses or without contact lenses.
Types of Artificial Tears
Artificial tears or Lubricant tears are a popular choice for Dry eye suffereres. They provide temporary relief by mimicking the properties of natural tears.
Lubricating drops, such as Systane Optive drops, or Refresh Eye Drops serve to add moisture and reduce friction, providing relief and preventing further irritation.
They contain active ingredients such as Polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol that serve to replicate the properties of natural tears, keeping your eyes moist and comfortable.
Systane and Refresh Optive drops rate as some of the best drops for dry eye treatment among customer reviews and are fairly well tolerated.
Treat Dry Eyes for the Best DryRelief
The newly available Xalin Hydrate Eye Drops and Xalin Gel ointment have good natural ingredients with Bio-identical ingredients that resemble Natural tears.
Customer Reviews bear testimony to the fact that this new breed of over-the-counter eye drops are soothing and comfortable.
Some manufacturers products are hybrid products with Natural ingredients and preservatives, and some are preservative-free drops that mostly come in disposable vials.
The plus point for Dry Eye sufferers is that the eye drops reviewed here do not contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK) which has adverse side effects for dry eye sufferers.
Chronic Dry Eyes are already irritated and gritty so many users find added benefit from Preservative-free drops that minimize the risk of further irritation and sensitivity from long-term use.
Chronic dry eyes also find better relief from symptoms with natural dry eye drops that do not contain antihistamine ingredients. Unfortunately antihistamine ingredients are drying.
Natural Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops
The best natural Anti-inflammatory eye drops should also be preservative-free.
Optometrists in UK Dry Eye Clinics are fast adopting Hypochlorous Acid Eye Drops as a safe to use option. They are an effective and safe eye drop for allergic and sensitive patients. HOCL eye drops have a natural anti-inflammatory ability that relieve swelling and irritation in the eyes fast. (More on these below).
Use Allergy Drops for Dry Eyes with Caution
Allergy drops should be used with caution for dry eyes.
Allergy drops are formulated to provide relief from eye symptoms including itching, redness, and watering. These drops contain antihistamines, to help reduce symptoms and provide comfort. Common allergens like pet hair, pollen, and mold in older homes.
Antihistamines in allergy drops for eyes can be the cause dry eye symptoms. So be aware that you should be using the correct drops for your symptoms.
HOCL or Hypochlorous Acid Eye Drops Are Safe to Use for Eyes
HOCL eye drops have a very high safety profile is hypochlorous acid safe for eyes. HOCL eye drops are safe as Human eye drops and to use for dogs.
Hypochlorous acid has growing following in UK Dry Eye CLinics as a new Blepharitis and Dry Eye Treatment.
If you are looking for all-natural eye drops for dry eyes that are available in a 15ml dropper bottle, these may well be for you. They are natural, preservative free, anti-inflammatory, and work well for allergy sufferers with dry eyes.
Hypochlorous acid eye drops are especially beneficial for sensitive individuals who should steer clear of chemical eye formulations. JR Kern: Cited in 2019 that Dry eye patients report improvement in symptoms with this formulation in 30 days.
They are recommended for individuals with moderate to severe discomfort or those who apply artificial tears more than four times a day.
Read more at: https://bettamedeyehealth.com/why-ocusolve/
Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes and Contacts
For those who wear contact lenses, certain eye drops are more suitable. Ocusolve Eye Wash and Optase Intense Drops and Biotrue drops are ideal choices, designed specifically to moisturize and clean lenses while providing relief from discomfort.
Choosing Eye Drops
Consider the root cause of your dry eyes, as well as your personal needs and preferences to help you find the most suitable solution and provide the comfort you need. Try using a Dry Eye Ointment at night to help protect the eye surface and guve you a headstart in the morning. An Omega 3 supplement taken daily can also promote eye function.
Prescription Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
When it comes to treating dry eye syndrome, both Dry Eye OTC and prescription drops for dry eye syndrome are available. OTC drops mimic tears, while prescription eye medications can be useful to help stimulate tear production.
Dry Eye Prescription drops, such as Lifitegrast, are intended for more severe cases of dry eye and function by inhibiting the activity of a protein that triggers an inflammatory response from the immune system. Some people do report side- effects such as eye irritation and blurred vision.
Tips for Using Dry Eye Drops Effectively
Proper use of dry eye drops can maximize their benefits and minimize potential side effects. Always wash your hands before administering drops and ensure that the tip of the bottle does not come into contact with the eye or face.
After depositing a single drop into the pocket of the lower eyelid, keep your eyes closed for one minute. This helps the eye drop to spread evenly across the eye’s surface and provide maximum relief.
If you have severe dry eye symptoms we recommend you use Refresh Optive tear gel or Xalin tear gel at night to help the eyes recover during the night. Use in conjunction with Ocusolve for soothing and healing relief during the day.
Home Remedies for Dry Eyes for Dry Eye Relief
In addition, there are also natural remedies for dry eyes. Lifestyle changes that can help alleviate dry eye symptoms and improve overall eye health.
- Warm compresses work well when used with a healing eye drop,
- Omega-3 supplements,
- Coconut water to stay hydrated, are some natural remedies that may be beneficial for dry eyes.
- A humidifier to counter the effects of air-conditioning or heating.
- Limiting Digital device usage can help: Extended screen time and excessive use of digital devices can lead to dry eye symptoms.
- Remembering to Blink
| PRO TIP: Use a healing eye drop to help heal the chafed eye surface and use an eye-pillow for a few minutes in place of a hot compress. |
The American Optometric Association estimates that 50-90% of people who use computers for prolonged periods experience eye-related symptoms, including dry eyes.
These natural remedies for dry eyes can help diminish inflammation and enhance tear production. Staying hydrated can assist in keeping the eyes lubricated and diminishing chafe on the eye surface, while using a humidifier can help maintain the air around the eyes moist and reduce dryness.
Hydration is an important aspect to consider when spending time in windy, dry and Many people don’t enjoy water, and a good alternative would be water with honey, lemon or cucumber.
Coconut water has also been proven to be as hydrating as some of the best sports drinks, while being good for glowing skin.
Takeaways
Dry tired eyes can be a daily nuisance, affecting your comfort and daily activities. However, with the right eye treatment and practices, it’s possible to find relief, and improve dry eye symptoms.
Remember, everyone’s eyes are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to choose the right eye treatment based on your specific needs and preferences, and to consult an Opthalmologist if symptoms are severe or worsen.
When to Consult an Eye Doctor
If you find that your dry eye symptoms persist despite using OTC drops, it may be time to consult an eye doctor. It is recommended that you have your eyes evaluated annually, and it is important to inform your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist if you have any other underlying conditions that could be causing your eye symptoms.
TAKE NOTE: You may not be experiencing dry eye syndrome if the onset is fast, your eye is red and weapy or sticky and light sensitive. You may have a Viral Infection or a Bacterial Eye Infection like Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye .
If your symptoms are more blurry and you are very light sensitive you may have Uveitis and should see an eye specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to use dry eye drops everyday?
It is generally not recommended to use dry eye drops everyday since preservatives and other chemical ingredients can put your eye health at risk.
Don’t use allergy or antihistamine drops ongoing as they may cause the side-effect of dry eyes!!
How do you fix dry eyes without eye drops?
Limit your screen time, use a warm compress or eye care pillow. Use simple preservative free all-natural eyedrops for everyday use. Clean your eyelids, get enough sleep, drink more water and use a humidifier in airconditioned spaces – these are all natural ways to help relieve dry eyes.
These methods are simple and can be done at home, without the need for expensive treatments or medications. They can help reduce the symptoms of dry eyes and improve overall eye health.
Which eye drops are best?
Experts recommend the Best Eye Drops For Dry Eyes for 2024 above, making them the ideal option for addressing eye dryness and discomfort.
These eye drops are designed to provide long-lasting relief from dryness and irritation, and they are easy to use. They are also affordable and can be found in most good pharmacies and online stores.
What are artificial tears?
Artificial tears are a form of over-the-counter eye drops used to provide relief from dry eyes, simulating the properties of our own natural tears.
What are preservative free eye drops?
Preservative free drops do not contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and are recommended for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms or those who apply artificial tears more than four times a day.
These drops are beneficial for those who suffer from dry eyes because they do not contain any preservatives that can irritate the eyes. They are also recommended for those who use artificial tears more than four times a day, as the preservatives in regular eye treatments can cause irritation and decrease eye health over time.
You may opt for one of the new Ocusolve Eye Wash HOCl formulations for dry eyes, which harness the bodies own immune response and are preservative free eye drops.
Using eye drops during recovery from eye surgery
- **Proper application technique**: Proper usage of eye drops includes washing hands before application, removing contact lenses, and tilting the head back to apply drops without touching the eye. Proper technique ensures medication works effectively and reduces adverse effects
– **Types of drops**: Post-surgery, three primary types of eye drops are used: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and artificial tears. These help prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and ease dryness
– **Dosage adherence**: Following the prescribed dosage and schedule for eye drops is crucial for aiding recovery and ensuring no complications arise.
References
- (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279326/).
- (https://bestcataractsurgeons.com/best-eye-drops-for-after-cataract-surgery/).
- (https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-to-expect-from-cataract-surgery).
