Which Eye Drop is Right for Me?

There is a large selection of eye drops available and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose the right drop for you. Here is a quick guide of eye drops that can help with dryness symptoms, as well as some to avoid.

For dryness and burning symptoms over the counter lubricating drops can help add moisture back on to the eye’s surface and take some work off of the glands that produce our tears. Refresh, Blink, and Systane are eye drops I recommend to patients experiencing dryness symptoms. Single-use vials are available for those that may be sensitive to preservatives. I recommend storing lubricating drops in the refrigerator if possible to help soothe the eyes upon instillation. Over the counter lubricating drops are a common first line treatment when used three to four times a day. Prescription eye drops are available for more severe cases of dry eyes.

Avoiding eye drops that can worsen your symptoms is essential when battling dry eyes. Eye drops like Visine and those targeting “red eyes” can help temporarily but exacerbate symptoms long term. Visine, Clear Eyes, Opcon A contain ingredients that constrict the blood vessels entering your eye. Many patients who use these drops regularly will see decreased effectiveness over time and can have a “rebound effect” where eyes appear red and irritated if they do not continue using them. Constricting blood flow to the eyes can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients your eyes are getting. When shopping for eye drops check the label for tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline and opt out!

If you are using lubricating drops and still experiencing redness in your eyes, Lumify is an FDA approved eye drop that lasts up to 8 hours. Unlike Visine and similar eye drops available to decrease redness, Lumify only constricts a selective amount of veins in the eyes, or blood vessels that leave the eye, this way your eyes are still getting the nutrients they need.

Itchy, watery eyes that occur seasonally can be a sign of allergies. Pataday is an over the counter allergy eye drop that can help relieve these symptoms and is available in various strengths.

Other eye drops that can catch our eye on the shelf are drops offering remedies for conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections. It is best to avoid these drops and consult with your eye doctor if you are experiencing eye pain, discharge, or swelling in order to ensure your eye gets the right medication it may need to fight infection or inflammation in a timely manner.

With today’s digital world, the need for lubricating drops has increased due to the amount of time we spend staring at screens, which slows our blinking rate.The 20/20/20 rule reminds us to look away (20 feet) from screens for twenty seconds, every twenty minutes while working on our digital devices. If you are experiencing dryness symptoms be sure to talk with your eye doctor about your symptoms at your next eye exam. We are here to help!

Best regards,
Dr. Brittney Smajstrla