Dr. Babakhan often gets asked about the best eye drops that can bring relief to this common, yet sometimes quite bothersome condition. So, let's dive in and discuss some of the top recommendations for eye drops that can alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes.

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Take our dry eye assessment to see if your symptoms indicate that you are suffering from treatable dry eye disease. 

Learn more about dry eye syndrome.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease, and as such treatment should always follow an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause. That said, eye drops provide temporary relief to complement and enhance your treatment. 

When you're suffering from dry eyes, a sensation of persistent dryness, or irritated eyes, you might find an array of over-the-counter options. These lubricating eye drops, or 'artificial tears,' as they are often called, can be a soothing solution for your eye discomfort.

With any medications or treatments for our eyes, always speak with our optometrists before starting use. 

Refresh Optive

Refresh Optive is one of the eye drops that our eye care professionals often suggest to our patients. This excellent product offers a moisturizing, hydrating effect that can be a real comfort to dry eyes. However, it's essential to note that unless the bottle mentions 'preservative-free,' it's not advisable to use it more than three to four times a day or for extended periods of time without speaking with your eye doctor.

For those who wear contact lenses, avoid using these drops unless the bottle specifically states they're safe for contacts. The preservative used in some drops can actually aggravate your eyes when combined with contact lenses. But, don't worry, Refresh Optive also has preservative-free vials that are safe for use with contacts.

Systane

Another favorite of Dr. Babakhan is Systane. They recently launched a new product, which has been well-received by her patients. Like Refresh Optive, Systane offers both preservative and preservative-free versions of their drops.

They have also just introduced a preservative-free option in a bottle, which is a great step forward for those who prefer the convenience of a bottle but also want to avoid preservatives.

TheraTears

The third over-the-counter option we often suggest is TheraTears. Just like the other brands, they offer their product in both bottle and preservative-free formats.

Prescription Eye Drops

For patients experiencing severe dryness, we might need to consider prescription eye drops. Two primary options available are Restasis and Xiidra. These drops have been effective in providing relief to those with severe dryness, but they require a bit of patience. Typically, it can take around six months to start noticing an improvement in your symptoms with these prescription drops.

Visit Our Eye Care Professional for a Dry Eye Evaluation

Remember, when it comes to alleviating dry eye symptoms, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The best eye drops for you depend on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms, whether or not you wear contact lenses, and your personal preference. It's always recommended to discuss your symptoms and options with your eye care professional before making a decision.