The 10 Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes for Instant Relief From Pesky Symptoms

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We updated this article in May 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

If you’ve ever experienced any type of dry eye-related irritation before (like itching, redness, and/or watery eyes), then you know how urgent the need to find a solution can feel. Discomfort aside, red, bloodshot eyes can alter your entire appearance, too. Thankfully, the best eye drops for dry eyes can hydrate and restore your eyes in no time.

Eye drops (aka artificial tears) are among the best treatments for dry eyes. The drops work to lubricate, helping to maintain a healthy moisture level on the cornea. In addition to soothing discomfort, many eye drops also work to heal the entire area by coating the surface with a thick layer of lubrication that can last throughout the day.

But if you’re dealing with dry eye symptoms specifically, you’ll want to stick to drops formulated for treating the condition. “The causes of dry eyes are often multifactorial, but common causes include age, environment, and activity,” says Vicki Chan, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist based in Los Angeles. “The typical patient I see usually complains of dry and fatigued eyes while reading or using their phones, especially in the winter months, at the end of the day,” she explains.

Meet the experts: Vicki Chan, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist based in Los Angeles, Brian Boxer Wachler, M.D., board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills.

So if you’ve been wondering why your eyes may be feeling a bit off recently, it may be a good idea to reevaluate how much strain you’re putting on them daily. “I always encourage patients to look for plain artificial tears or lubricant eye drops—not anything that says ‘red out,’ ‘minty fresh,’ or anything of that sort, because those often have other medications that could irritate or exacerbate dry eyes further,” advises Dr. Chan.

Our top picks

To help you find the best eye drops to relieve dry eyes, we rounded up expert-approved options, below. Whether you need a fast-working fix for red eyes or are looking for a way to get rid of that pesky itch, we’re sharing top-rated and expert-recommended picks that can suit your eye needs.

Dry Eye Therapy Eye Drops

Recommended by Dr. Chan, this eye drop is very popular among customers and ophthalmologists. The Amazon best-seller has a 4.7-star rating and over 20,000 rave reviews thanks to its immediate, long-lasting relief for dry eye symptoms. It also contains five essential electrolytes that are found in natural tears, which helps to correct the salt imbalance within the eyes, according to the brand.

Lubricant Eye Drops

Designed to relieve mild symptoms of eye dryness, this pick is only $13 for a pack of two bottles, and it works instantly to moisturize and lubricate the eyes. It also includes 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium (used to soothe and hydrate), an ingredient Dr. Chan recommends all her patients look for when shopping for eye drops.

Lubricant Eye Gel Drops

Reviewers love the long-lasting relief they get when using this eye drop product, which is a pick from Brian Boxer Wachler, M.D., board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills. The brand notes that they use their thickest formula to “create a protective shield over the eyes.” The gel formula also works great at preventing dry air and debris from irritating the eyes.

Lubricant Eye Drops

Another favorite of Dr. Boxer Wachler, this liquid eye drop is formulated to give dry eyes long-lasting relief while providing protection from irritation. The formula also includes a unique polyquad ingredient (a preservative that works to hydrate), which the brand states “is a safe and gentle ingredient on the eyes.”

Ultra Night Therapy for Dry Eyes

Super hydrating and gentle, this eye drop features a gel texture that is slightly thicker in consistency to help maintain the moisture of your eyes while you sleep. Plus, it can also be used during the day. The formula contains sodium hyaluronate—a Dr. Chan-approved ingredient—that is clinically proven to hydrate and lubricate the eyes.

Advanced Eye Drops

Another favorite of Dr. Chan, this eye drop formula contains not one but two active ingredients (carboxymethylcellulose and glycerin), that both work to relieve mild symptoms of eye dryness, ranging from burning to irritation to discomfort. It’s also available in a preservative-free formulation, which Dr. Boxer Wachler says is a better option for those with sensitive eyes.

Lubricant Eye Drops

This best-selling eye drop is designed with a preservative free-formula and contains a unique cationic oil emulsion technology that works to stabilize the tear film and prevent moisture loss. “Best eye drops on the market, they’re amazing,” wrote one reviewer. “The giant veiny red spot I get in my left eye when it’s dry, went away. It’s a good thing I’m not Oprah, because my list of Favorite Things would include these drops.”

Gel Tears Lubricating Eye Drops 10 mL

“My eye doctor recommended this eye drop,” wrote one satisfied customer. “It keeps my eyes moist and prevents over tearing.” This lubricating eye drop works to restore the natural balance of your tears every time you blink, meaning your eyes will feel super moisturized. It has a unique formulation that will hydrate and restore the natural salt balance better than other traditional eye drops, according to the brand.

Replenish Rewetting Drops

If you wear contact lenses and find that your eyes get dry pretty often, you’ll want to try out this pick. To soothe any irritation while wearing lenses, Opti-Free recommends placing two drops in each eye, up to four times a day. The formula works to remove particles and prevent deposit build-up in the eyes.

Complete Eye Relief Eye Drops

Crafted with natural ingredients like eyebright (a plant-derived ingredient), the formula does not contain any harsh chemicals, making it safe for those with sensitive eyes. It also works to provide relief from watering, grittiness, dryness, and more.

“Hands down the best eye drops for anyone with dry eyes and sensitivity to other eye drops,” wrote one satisfied Amazon customer.

How to choose the best eye drops for dry eyes

Go for straightforward products. Dr. Chan recommends patients look for plain artificial tears or lubricant eye drops. Stay away from products that advertise removing redness or feeling minty fresh, for example.

Pay attention to ingredients. Take a look at the active ingredients of each product before making a purchase. Dr. Chan suggests using eye drops that contain carboxymethylcellulose sodium, which helps soothe and hydrate eyes. Some products are free of preservatives and others contain plant-based ingredients. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, consult your doctor first.

Think about your specific needs. Most eye drops for dry eyes are for daytime use. Some can be used day and night, while others are specifically designed for nighttime use. You can also find products designed for people who wear contact lenses. These are all factors to keep in mind.

Consider the consistency. Typical eye drops come in liquid form, but you can find thicker formulas that are more gel-like. These are ideal for nighttime use.

What causes dry eye?

The main causes of dry eye fall into two general categories, according to Dr. Chan: not making enough tears and tears evaporating.

Causes of not making enough tears:

• Older age

• Certain medications

• LASIK eye surgery

• Certain activities that reduce blinking, such as reading and looking at a computer screen

Causes of tears evaporating:

• Dry/windy environment

• Eyelid abnormalities

• Contact lens overuse

How often should you use dry eye eye drops?

How often you can apply eye drops depends on what kind of eye drops you use, says Dr. Chan. You can typically use regular artificial tears up to four times a day. That’s because preservatives that prevent contamination and help make the formula last over time can cause irritation.

You can use preservative-free eye drops for dry eyes as much as you like. “Just make sure you throw out any open vials at the end of the day to avoid contamination,” advises Dr. Chan.

Can you use dry eye eye drops every day?

It’s safe to use eye drops every day as long as they are artificial tears, rather than vasoconstrictors like Visine and Clear Eyes, explains Dr. Chan.

“I think of artificial tears like a lotion you would apply to your skin every day,” she says. However, if artificial tears don’t seem to improve your symptoms, Dr. Chan recommends seeing your doctor.

How we chose the best eye drops for dry eyes

We interviewed experts Vicki Chan, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist based in Los Angeles and Brian Boxer Wachler, M.D., board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills for their insights. We also read through customer reviews to find the best eye drops for dry eyes you can buy online.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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