Which dry eye drops are best for dry eyes?

If your eyes often feel dry, sore, or tired, you’re not alone. Many people deal with dry eyes every day, especially when using screens, wearing contact lenses, or spending time in heated or air-conditioned rooms.

Dry eyes can make your vision blurry and your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or watery. The good news is that there are lots of eye drops that can help. But with so many options on the shelf, it can be hard to know which ones are best for you.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we help people find the right treatment for their dry eyes every day. In this blog, we’ll explain the different kinds of dry eye drops, how they work, and what to look for when choosing one.

What are dry eye drops?

Dry eye drops (also called artificial tears) are liquids that help replace or add moisture to your eyes. They can soothe dryness, reduce redness, and make your eyes feel more comfortable.

Most dry eye drops aim to:

• Add moisture
• Help your eyes hold tears longer
• Protect your eyes from irritation

But not all drops are the same. Some work better for mild dryness, while others are made for more serious or long-term dry eye problems.

Why do people get dry eyes?

Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when your tears dry up too fast.

Common causes include:

• Spending too much time on computers or phones
• Wearing contact lenses often
• Wind, heating, or air conditioning
• Ageing and menopause
• Certain medications
• Eye surgery or medical conditions

Knowing the cause of your dry eyes can help you (and your optometrist) choose the best type of eye drops.

Types of dry eye drops

There are several kinds of dry eye drops, and each one works in a slightly different way.

Let’s look at the most common types:

1. Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears)

These are the most common type. They help add moisture to the surface of your eyes and give quick relief.

You can use them several times a day. Look for drops that are preservative-free if you use them often or have sensitive eyes.

Best for: mild to moderate dry eyes.

2. Gel drops and ointments

These are thicker than regular drops, so they stay on your eyes longer. They’re great for nighttime use because they keep your eyes moist while you sleep.

Best for: moderate to severe dryness, or dryness that gets worse at night.

3. Lipid-based (oil) drops

These drops help if your tears evaporate too fast. They add a thin oily layer that stops tears from drying out too quickly.

If your eyelid oil glands (called meibomian glands) aren’t working properly, these drops can make a big difference.

Best for: dry eyes caused by meibomian gland problems or poor tear quality.

4. Prescription drops

Some dry eye problems need more than over-the-counter drops. Prescription drops can help your eyes make more tears or reduce inflammation.

If your dry eyes don’t improve after trying regular drops, your eye specialist might recommend this option.

Best for: chronic (long-term) dry eye or inflammation.

What ingredients should you look for?

Eye drops may have different ingredients that help your eyes in different ways. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Hyaluronic acid: adds moisture and keeps it in your eyes for longer.
• Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): coats the eye surface for lasting relief.
• Glycerin or propylene glycol: smooth and protect your eyes.
• Mineral oils or lipids: help stop tears from evaporating.
• Electrolytes (like potassium or sodium): keep your tears healthy and balanced.

Preservative-free vs. preserved eye drops

Some drops contain preservatives to keep bacteria out, but these can sometimes irritate your eyes, especially if you use drops often.

If you need to use drops more than four times a day, we recommend preservative-free single-dose vials. They’re gentler and safer for long-term use.

Preserved drops can be fine for occasional use, but always check with your eye care specialist if you’re unsure.

How often should you use dry eye drops?

It depends on how dry your eyes are. For mild dryness, a few times a day may be enough. For more serious cases, you might need them more often.

Remember:

• Don’t overuse drops unless advised.
• Always wash your hands before using them.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or eyelashes.

If your eyes still feel dry after using drops regularly for a few weeks, it’s a good idea to have a dry eye assessment.

Can dry eye drops make your eyes worse?

Most of the time, dry eye drops are very safe. But some people find that their eyes sting or feel sticky after using them.

This can happen if:

• The drops have preservatives your eyes don’t like
• You’re using the wrong type of drops for your condition
• There’s an underlying problem that needs treatment

If your eyes feel worse, stop using the drops and book an appointment at My Eye Clinic in Gosforth to find a better option.

How My Eye Clinic can help

Every person’s eyes are different, and so is every case of dry eye. That’s why finding the right drops often starts with a proper eye check.

At My Eye Clinic, we offer detailed dry eye assessments to find out:

• How well your eyes make tears
• Whether your oil glands are blocked
• How quickly your tears evaporate
• If your eyes are inflamed or irritated

Once we understand the cause, we can recommend the best treatment for you, whether that’s specific eye drops, heat masks, in-office treatments, or lifestyle changes.

Final thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to dry eye drops. The best drops for you depend on what’s causing your dryness, how often you use them, and how sensitive your eyes are.

With the right advice and care, you can find a solution that keeps your eyes healthy, hydrated, and happy.

If you’re in the Gosforth or Newcastle area, our friendly team at My Eye Clinic is here to help you find lasting relief from dry eyes.

Take our dry eye suitability self-test today and take the first step toward comfortable, healthy eyes.