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The 11 Best Eye Drops For Dry Eyes In 2023, Per An Optometrist

Walmart Pros:

Some reviewers say it doesn't leave that unwanted watery, sticky feeling

Helps keep the corneas lubricated without irritation

If you're experiencing severe dryness, Lazar recommends the Bausch & Lomb Nighttime Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Ointment, conveniently just $10 to help tone down those unwanted dryness levels.

With more than 1,500 glistening reviews for its nighttime-friendly ointment that also doubles as a preventative treatment for possible irritation, it's also preservative-free; just make sure to remove contact lenses, if applicable, before applying.

Lazar also recommends the

Oasis TEARS PF Preservative-Free Lubricant Drops ($23) for severe dryness, ranked as one of the best preservative-free eye drops in this guide.

Ahead, Lazar gives us a detailed overview of what to know about eye drops so you feel well-equipped to begin using them for your dry eyes (if, in fact, it sounds like you'd benefit from use).

What are eye drops?

First things first, let's boil down these popular over-the-counter products — before understanding if they're right for you.

"Eye drops are a type of medication or solution used to deliver moisture, relieve discomfort, or treat conditions in the eyes, often administered directly into the eye through a dropper," Lazar tells The Post.

What are the benefits of using eye drops?

According to Lazar, eye drops can provide a variety of benefits such as moisturizing dry eyes, reducing redness and inflammation, relieving irritation and discomfort or delivering medication to treat specific eye conditions like glaucoma or allergies.

What types of eye drops can I find on the market?

There are quite a few types of eye drops available on the market, some most common ones, including lubricating drops for dry eyes, redness-reducing drops, allergy drops, antibiotic drops for infections, anti-glaucoma drops and prescription drops for various specific eye conditions.

Why do I have dry eyes?

The golden question — why are my eyes dry, and how can I help make them "more hydrated," so to speak?

"Dry eyes can be triggered by numerous factors, including the natural aging process, hormonal changes, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, certain medications and systemic health conditions like autoimmune diseases," Lazar notes. "Although there's a genetic aspect to dry eye syndrome, particularly when associated with conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, it's important to remember it's generally a multifactorial issue, influenced by a complex interplay of both genetic makeup and lifestyle choices."

That said, the rising prevalence of dry eye conditions and styes, even among our youth, can be linked to the realities of our modern lifestyles: hours spent staring at digital screens and the increasing tendency to live and work in climate-controlled indoor spaces.

"Additionally, skin disorders like rosacea, often underestimated, play a significant role in causing red, watery, and swollen eyes," she adds.

"It's important to understand that having good vision doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy, as some eye diseases may not affect vision in their early stages. Thus, it is vital to prioritize comprehensive eye exams regularly, even if you believe your vision is excellent, to detect any potential issues early and maintain overall eye health."

Inna Lazar, MD, Connecticut-based optometrist who specializes in ocular surface diseases, dry eye management and the provision of custom-tailored specialty contact lenses How do prescription eye drops work?

"Prescription eye drops work by delivering specific medications directly to the eyes to treat conditions such as glaucoma, eye infections, allergies, or inflammation, often by reducing intraocular pressure, combating pathogens, or mitigating allergic reactions," Lazar says.

When ordering prescription eye drops online, it's crucial to ensure that they're obtained from a legitimate pharmacy, as these are medications that require a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. "Being able to purchase them without a doctor's prescription is a serious red flag and could indicate the potential risk of receiving counterfeit or unsafe medications," she warns.

How to properly apply eye drops, per an optometrist

To use eye drops correctly, tilt your head back, gently pull your lower eyelid down, hold the dropper tip down over the eye, and squeeze out the prescribed number of drops without letting the dropper touch your eye or any other surfaces to prevent contamination.

"It's also important to store the drops in a cool, dry area separate from cosmetic products to prevent mix-ups with items like eyelash or nail glue, and always make sure to read the bottle before application," Lazar notes.

How to use eye drops if you wear contacts, per an optometrist

According to Lazar, best practices for using eye drops with contacts entail removing the lenses before administering the drops (unless they're contact lens-friendly), waiting a minimum of 15 minutes before reinserting, and importantly, if you find yourself needing to use eye drops more than four times a day, it's crucial to consult an eye care professional to address the root cause of the discomfort or dryness.

How often should eye drops be used?

Of course, the frequency of eye drop use should be determined by the type of drop and the condition being treated.

"Generally, they should be used as per the instructions given by the eye care provider or as indicated on the product label," Lazar chimes in.

Are preservative-free eye drops "better?" What are they, exactly?

"Preservative-free eye drops are formulations without added preservatives, which can be beneficial for those with sensitive eyes or allergies," she notes. While they're not inherently "better", they "may be a preferable option for individuals who use eye drops frequently or have a sensitivity to preservatives," she notes.

When would I see a difference from using eye drops?

"The effect of eye drops can range from immediate relief for conditions like allergies or redness, to more long-term results over several weeks for conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, largely dependent on the type of drop and the condition being treated," Lazar highlights.

More, efficacy depends on the severity of your eye-dryness.

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New York Post Shopping section for more content.

How To Use Artificial Tears (Polyvinyl Alcohol/Povidone) 0.5 %-0.6 % Eye Drops

Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use a solution that has changed color or is cloudy. Certain brands (containing glycerin with polysorbates, among other ingredients) may have a milky appearance. This is okay as long as the solution does not change color. Some eye drops need to be shaken before use. Check the label to see if you should shake your product before using.

Usually, drops may be used as often as needed. Ointments are usually used 1 to 2 times daily as needed. If using an ointment once a day, it may be best to use it at bedtime.

To apply eye ointment/drops/gels: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or top of the ointment tube or let it touch your eye. Always replace the cap tightly after each use. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. For drops/gels, place the dropper directly over the eye and squeeze out 1 or 2 drops as needed. Look down and gently close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. For an ointment, hold the tube directly over the eye and gently squeeze a small strip (one-fourth of an inch or roughly 6 millimeters) of ointment into the pouch. Release the eyelid, close the eye, and slowly roll your eye in all directions to spread the medication. Blot away any extra ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue.

If you are also using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using most kinds of eye lubricants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you may replace your contact lenses. There are a few types of eye lubricants (some that contain polysorbates) that can be used while wearing contact lenses. Check the package to see if you can wear your contact lenses while using your product.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 3 days.

Smoking And Dry Eye

Does tobacco smoke or even just the smell of it leave your eyes scratchy and gritty? You're not the only one. Smoking is a common trigger for dry eye. You can try to prevent the problem. Or you can treat your symptoms when they happen.

Cigarette smoke has over 7,000 chemicals. Many of them irritate and damage your eyes. Smokers are twice as likely to get dry eye as people who don't light up.

Why does smoke make the condition worse? Every time you blink, your eyelids coat your eye with a protective layer of tears. This keeps out dust and debris. But chemicals in smoke can cause this layer to break down. Without enough tears to shield them, your eyes get irritated. Smoking also seems to change the composition of your tears. This can lead to more symptoms.

Being a smoker poses the biggest risk. But just being nearby when someone else is lighting up can trigger symptoms. Some people with dry eye are very sensitive to irritants like cigarette smoke, and it doesn't take much to set off their symptoms.

The best and most obvious way to avoid the problem is to stay away from people who are smoking. But sometimes that's not possible. If you know you're going to have to be around smoke, you can:

Pretreat your eyes. If you use drops or gels for dry eye, try putting some in before you're around smoke. That will coat your eyes to protect them and prevent symptoms. If you take prescription medication, ask your doctor if taking some beforehand could help. 

Limit contact as much as possible. Don't let people smoke in your home. And keep visits short if you're in a place where people smoke. If you can, meet outside rather than inside. 

Speak up. Don't be afraid to ask a person who smokes not to do it while you're around. Politely explain that it's a trigger for your symptoms.

If your symptoms get worse, you can use dry eye treatments like over-the-counter artificial tears or gels or prescription treatments if your doctor has given them to you.

And if you smoke, dry eye relief is yet another reason to quit. Keep in mind that smoking is linked with many more serious eye diseases, like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, along with many other medical problems. So, during your next appointment, talk to your doctor about making a plan to quit.

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