What Eye Drops Are Best For My Eyes?

Are you suffering from red, irritated and scratchy eyes? Do you feel like you have something stuck in your eyes? These are hallmark symptoms of dry eye syndrome, a condition that occurs when your eyes are not properly lubricated. Seeking the ideal artificial tears to relieve dry eyes can be a daunting process — not all eye drops are created equal. Here are the 6 main categories of artificial tears available over the counter.

The 6 Types of Eye Drops / Artificial Tears

Preserved Artificial Tears

Preserved artificial tears contain added preservatives to keep bacteria at bay once the bottle is opened. Unfortunately, they can also cause inflammatory dry eye disease in sensitive individuals. While these drops may offer temporary relief, long term they can do more harm than good.

Preservative-Free Artificial Tears

Preservative-free artificial tears are great for contact lens wearers as they don't cause any preservative build-up on the lenses. They are also suitable for those with sensitive eyes since they contain fewer ingredients that can cause irritation. They typically come in a box of 28 to 30 small vials.

Oil-Based Artificial Tears

These are thicker than traditional eye drops, as they contain an oil-based formulation. The oil helps prevent the watery portion of the tears from evaporating too quickly. They're great for moderate or severe dry eye, but not recommended for contact lens wearers.

Eye Drop Spray or Mist

These sprays are preservative-free and are used to relieve dryness and irritation in both the eyes and eyelids. To use the spray, just close your eyes and spray onto your closed eyelids. Once you blink, the tears will slide into your eyes.

Artificial Tear Gel

Artificial tear gel adds a thick coating of tears and can be used at any time of the day or night. The thicker consistency may blur your vision for several minutes. Most artificial tear gels contain preservatives, so they can only be used up to 4 times a day.

Artificial Tear Ointment

Dry eye ointments are thick and coat the front of your eye. They're usually used 1 to 2 times daily. It may be best to use them at bedtime, as it will blur your vision.

Get Dry Eye Relief Today!

Artificial tears may be a good way to temporarily relieve eye dryness. However, only an eye doctor can examine your eyes to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment for your unique case of dry eye. Schedule an appointment with Grove City Vision Center in Grove City to learn more about dry eye syndrome and to find out which treatment is best for you.