Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops of 2024 (2024)

Before buying any type of eye drops, it's important to speak with your doctor so they can evaluate your issue. In some cases, OTC eye drops are sufficient, but in other situations, you may need prescription medicated drops.

If your issue can be resolved with OTC eye drops, you should know that there are drops with preservatives and others without them. The preservative-free eye drops are generally safe for most people -- including pregnant people. Drops with preservatives should be used more conservatively because they can worsen some cases. The same is true for other drops, such as the ones for redness relief.

"Poor-quality artificial tears, or ones that tout the red out, often have chemicals that can cause problems including rebound redness, dilation of the eyes, corneal toxicity, blurred vision and worsening of dry eye disease," Koetting warned.

Dr. Edmund Farris, an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at Mount Sinai, added that these preservatives have the ability to change aspects of the eye. He said, "the preservatives in most drops can alter the corneal surface and cause loss of these superficial corneal cells, which may eventually lead to more symptoms." So if you're using these types of drops too often, this can become an issue.

Some signs to look out for if you think you're having a negative reaction to eye drops include redness that gets worse, irritation, blurred vision and a burning or grittiness sensation. Oftentimes this occurs due to the preservatives found in some drops. Koetting said that if these symptoms don't improve, it can indicate an allergy or sensitivity to the drops. "However, if a person notices that they are having an increase in itching, swelling around the eye or the whites of the eyes become swollen and red, they should immediately discontinue the drop and call an eye care professional," she added.

Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops of 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops of 2024? ›

Systane is a trusted brand recommended by optometrists for those with dry eyes. As someone who's struggled with dry eyes, this product is also my usual go-to. The Systane eye drops work for up to eight hours and are ideal for dry, sensitive eyes.

What are the best over-the-counter eye drops for dry eyes? ›

Systane is a trusted brand recommended by optometrists for those with dry eyes. As someone who's struggled with dry eyes, this product is also my usual go-to. The Systane eye drops work for up to eight hours and are ideal for dry, sensitive eyes.

What do ophthalmologists recommend for dry eyes? ›

Stop Dry Eye by Saving Tears

Your ophthalmologist may suggest blocking your tear ducts. This makes your natural tears stay in your eyes longer. Tiny silicone or gel plugs (called punctal plugs) may be inserted in your tear ducts. These plugs can be removed later as needed.

Which eye drop is best? ›

Eye drops for allergies

Eye drops that contain antihistamines and decongestants can help manage the symptoms. The following eye drops are available over the counter: antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers: Zaditor, Alaway, Panadol, Pataday. decongestants: Vasocon.

What are the new eye drops for seniors? ›

Vuity Eye Drops are the only FDA approved prescription eye drop proven to treat presbyopia when taken once daily. It is a pilocarpine HCL ophthalmic solution used to remedy the detrimental eye-condition that is age-related blurry near vision that is currently affecting 128 million Americans.

What eye drops do opticians recommend for dry eyes? ›

Dry eye drops
  • Hycosan Extra Preservative Free Eye Drops. ...
  • Hycosan Original Preservative Free Eye Drops. ...
  • Hycosan Dual Preservative Free Eye Drops. ...
  • Hycosan Night Preservative Free Eye Ointment. ...
  • Hycosan Plus Preservative Free Eye Drops. ...
  • Hycosan Fresh Preservative Free Eye Drops. ...
  • Optase Comfort Drop Preservative Free Eye Drops.

Is Systane better than refresh? ›

Conclusion: Both Refresh Tears and Systane are effective and cost-effective interventions. Systane costs more than Refresh Tears, however clinical trial evidence shows it to be more effective. The ICER for Systane versus Refresh Tears is well below the generally accepted $50,000 per QALY threshold.

What is the newest treatment for dry eyes? ›

Miebo. In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution (Miebo). It is a prescription eye drop that aims to target tear evaporation directly.

What eye drops are safe to use every day? ›

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.

How to fix dry eyes without eye drops? ›

Home Remedies for Dry Eyes: What Works?
  1. Warm Compresses.
  2. Wash Crusty Lashes.
  3. Blink More.
  4. Eat (Naturally) Oily Fish.
  5. Stay Hydrated.
  6. Wear Wraparound Sunglasses.
  7. Use a Humidifier and a Filter.
  8. Dos and Don'ts for Drops.
May 30, 2023

What eye drops do optometrists use? ›

Descriptions. Hydroxyamphetamine and Tropicamideis medicine that is put into your eye to make your pupil larger. It also reduces your body's ability to adjust your eye for near vision. These drops are used when you have your eyes examined by the eye doctor.

What are the new eyedrops instead of glasses? ›

You can. Vuity is the only FDA-approved eye drop that treats age-related near vision blur—an eye condition better known as presbyopia. These drops are most effective in people aged 40 to 55 who struggle to see clearly when performing daily tasks—such as reading your phone or computer screen.

What were the eye drops that were recalled? ›

What eye drops have been recalled?
BrandProduct
LeaderLubricant Eye Drops (10 mL) Polyethylene glycol 0.6%
RugbyLubricating Eye Drops (15 mL) Polyvinyl alcohol 1.4%
RugbyLubricating Tears Eye Drops (15 mL) Dextran 0.1%, hypromellose 0.3%
Rite AidLubricating Eye Drops (15 mL twin pack) Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%
19 more rows
Mar 1, 2024

Do any eye drops work for dry eyes? ›

No single brand works best for every form of dry eyes. You may need to try several different brands before you find one that works best for you. Besides lubricating your eyes, some artificial tears also promote healing of the eyes. Others work to decrease tear evaporation.

What is the best thing for very dry eyes? ›

You may be able to manage your dry eyes with frequent eyelid washing and use of nonprescription eye drops or other products that help lubricate your eyes. If your condition is long term (chronic), use eye drops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated.

What is the drug of choice for dry eyes? ›

For severe dry eye syndrome, your ophthalmologist may recommend that you use cyclosporine, known by the brand name Restasis®, an anti-inflammatory medicated eye drop designed for long-term use.

What are the side effects of using Systane eye drops? ›

Other side effects of Systane
  • Blurred vision.
  • eye redness or discomfort or other irritation not present before use of this medicine.
  • increased sensitivity of eyes to light.
  • matting or stickiness of eyelashes.
  • swelling of eyelids.
  • watering of eyes.
Jul 10, 2023

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