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Feb 18, 2023 · Preservative-free eye drops. This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you apply artificial tears more than four times a day, or if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eye drops may come in single-dose vials. Artificial tears are also available as nonprescription gels and gel inserts.
Feb 17, 2024 · Choosing between eye drops or gels or ointments. Gel-based drops are thicker than liquid lubricating drops. Ointments are the thickest, most concentrated lubricant type and are dispensed from tubes rather than bottles. “The thicker the lubricant is the longer it tends to last on the ocular surface,” said Dr. Starr.
Sep 23, 2022 · Apply a warm washcloth to your eyes. Wet a clean cloth with warm water. Hold the cloth over your eyes for five minutes. Rewet the cloth with warm water when it cools. Gently rub the washcloth over your eyelids — including the base of the eyelashes — to loosen any debris. Use a mild soap on your eyelids.
- Overview
- Causes of dry eyes
- OTC eye drops vs. prescription eye drops
- Eye drops with preservatives vs. without
- Outlook
- Summary
Many factors can cause dry eyes. Over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears can treat dry eyes. If someone does not experience relief from OTC treatments, they may need prescription eye drops.
Artificial tears are eye drops that help to lubricate dry eyes. They add extra fluid to the eyes and can help relieve the symptoms of dryness.
People may experience dry eyes for many reasons, such as tiredness, eye strain, or dry environments. In some cases, dry eyes can be due to an underlying medical condition.
In this article, we look at different types of artificial tears and how they may help relieve dry eyes.
Dry eyes can affect anyone. Usually, tear glands produce tears that keep the eyes wet and well-lubricated. People may get dry eyes if the tears are not able to provide enough moisture to the eye, which could happen because:
•the tear glands are not producing enough tears to keep the eyes well-lubricated
•the tears are drying up too fast
•the tears are not effective enough at keeping the eyes wet
In addition, some environmental and lifestyle factors may cause dry eyes. These include:
•dry or windy climate
People may find relief for mild cases of dry eyes with OTC eye drops. OTC eye drops work to provide artificial extra tears, or fluid, to cover the cornea and conjunctiva, which make up the surface layer of the eye.
A 2016 review of 43 randomized controlled trials found that OTC artificial tears may be a safe and effective treatment option for dry eyes. However, researchers still need further evidence to support this. The review suggests that most OTC eye drops have similar effects.
If people find that OTC eye drops are not effective in treating dry eyes, they may need prescription eye drops.
A doctor may prescribe cyclosporine (Restasis, Cequa) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) to treat more severe cases of dry eyes. These eye drops help the eyes produce more tears or target sources of inflammation that may fuel dry eyes.
People can choose between eye drops with preservatives and preservative-free eye drops.
Some eye drops contain preservatives to stop bacteria from growing within the mixture once people open the product seal. Some people may find that eye drops with preservatives cause irritation to the eyes, particularly if these individuals have severe eye dryness.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye doctors usually recommend that people use eye drops with preservatives no more than four times every day.
If people find that eye drops with preservatives cause irritation, or they need to use eye drops more than four times a day, they may be best with preservative-free eye drops.
People will usually be able to treat mild cases of dry eyes with OTC eye drops. If OTC eye drops are not effective, people may need to see their doctor for prescription eye drops.
It is usually safe for people to use preservative-free artificial tears as often as they need to. If people use artificial tears with preservatives, they should use them no more than four times a day, or as the instructions or a doctor advises.
People may experience some side effects from using artificial tears, including blurred vision. For this reason, people may find it best to use artificial tears before sleeping or when resting.
In some cases, artificial tears may cause an allergic reaction. People will need to stop using the eye drops and contact their doctor straight away if they experience any of the following symptoms:
•swelling
•itching
People may experience dry eyes for a variety of reasons, which can include:
•dry or windy environments
•medical conditions, such as an autoimmune condition
•tiredness
•eye strain, such as from using a computer or smartphone for long periods
•lack of vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids
- Beth Sissons
May 2, 2024 · Best for Mild Dry Eye: Systane Long Lasting Lubricant Eye Drops. Best for Severe Dry Eye: Systane Lubricant Eye Gel Drops. Best for Contacts: Opti-Free Replenish Rewetting Drops. Best for Allergy Relief: Zaditor Antihistamine Eye Drops. Best for Red Eyes: LUMIFY Redness Reliever. Best for MGD: Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops ...
Feb 9, 2022 · Lubricating eye drops work by adding some of the same elements that your tears naturally have. This helps your tear film work more effectively to protect the surface of your eyes. You can get lubricating eye drops without a prescription. There are many brands to choose from, but keep in mind that no single brand works best for all types of dry eye.
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Apr 11, 2023 · Best for contact lens wearers: Blink-n-Clean Lens Drops. Best for post-LASIK dryness: Refresh Plus Preservative-Free. Best for severe dry eye symptoms: Optase Dry Eye Intense Drops. Best for quick ...
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