BEST EYE DROPS FOR DRY EYE (OPTOMETRISTS’ PICKS)
You walk into your local chemist and see Systane, refresh tears, hyloforte all on the shelves but what are truly the best drops to buy for dry eyes.
With the increasing use of digital screens dry eyes has become a bigger issue that ever before. Whether its watery eyes, irritation, grittiness/foreign body sensation or light sensitivity using the right eye drops can make all the difference. But not all drops are created equal.
In this post, I’ll break down the best dry eye drops on the market based on formulation and long-term effectiveness.
What should I look For in Dry Eye Drops
- Preservative free – this is the equivalent to buying fragrance or alcohol free skincare. If you have dry eye chance are you eyes are already a bit sensitive. Last thing you need is to cause more irritation by using eye drops with preservative.
- Aqueous deficient vs Meibomian Gland Dysfunction – many people don’t know there are 3 types of dry eye -> Aqueous deficient, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or Mixed Dry Eye (a combination of both)
- Affordability
TOP OPTOMETRIST RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Cationorm
Why I recommend it: Cationorm is a preservative free eye drop that is compatible with contact lenses so you do not need to worry about taking them out to use the drop. It mimics the natural tear film and protect the eyes from environmental factors.
Pros:
- Can be used for both aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye.
- Preservative free – comes in both a multidose bottle and individual vials
- Contact lens compatible
- Need to discard 3 months after opening unless expired
Cons
- A bit more expensive compared to other eye drops on the market
2. Systane Complete – Preservative Free
This is probably the most popular eye drop I prescribe my patients.
Why I recommend it: This covers both types of dry eye so provides hydration while also boosting the lipid layer. Great options for those on screens a lot
Pros:
- Suitable for all types of dry eye – both evaporative and aqueous deficient dry eye
- Comes in a bottle and is preservative free
- Provides dry eye relief for up to 8 hours
- Medium price range not too expensive but also not cheap
Cons:
- Need to discard 3 months after opening unless expired – this is still a long life but is shorter than regular systane complete.
NOTE: Systane Complete is different to Systane Complete Preservative free the difference being Systane Complete does contain preservatives. If you have Systane Complete (with preservatives) you cannot wear this while using contact lenses but can put them in before or after wear. Systane Complete also has a longer life once opened of 6 months compared to 3 months.
3. Hyloforte
Why I recommend it: Can be used with contact lenses. Good for more moderate-severe dry eyes Formula is a bit thicker compared to other drops. Preservative free but comes in a bottle which is convenient. Once opened can be used for 6 months compared to most others that expire one month after opening.
Pros:
- Contact lens compatible
- Preservative free – once opened can be used for 6 monthhs
- Due to the thicker nature of the eye drops most people get instant relief once the put the drops in
Cons:
- More expensive compared to the other eye drops
- Only targets aqueous deficient dry eye – when the eye is not producing enough tears.
4. REFRESH PLUS > REFRESH TEARS
Refresh plus and refresh tears are great dry eye drops for hydrating the tear film. Not only are they good for long term use but they also very affordable at as low as 10 AUD. The difference between refresh plus and tears is that refresh plus is a preservative free option so comes in a pack of 30 vials whereas refresh tears comes in a 15 ml bottle.
Refresh Plus
Pros:
- Preservative-free
- Affordable option
- Good for mild-mod dry eye
Cons:
- Comes in a pack of vials so once opened each vial needs to be thrown away in 24 hours
- May not be suitable if you have evaporative dry eye.
Refresh Tears
Pros:
- Very affordable option
- Comes in a bottle which can be convenient
- Once opened can be used for 90 days before discarding
- Good for mild-mod dry eye
Cons:
- Not preservative free – can be irritating for sensitive eyes or those allergic to preservatives
- May not be suitable if you have evaporative dry eye.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on clinical experience and product performance, not sponsorships.
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Best eye drops for contact lens wearers.
Best eye drops for screen users
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Skincare/makeup recommendations by an optometrist. Eye-friendly.
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