The Best Dry Eye Remedies Available Over the Counter

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
- Best for treating dry eye overnight: Systane Nighttime Relief Lubricant Ointment
- Best for dry eye caused by screen time: Visine Dry Eye Relief Tired Eye Drops
- Best for older eyes: TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Eye Drops
- Best for use after LASIK: Refresh Optive Preservative-Free
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is caused by the tear glands not producing enough tears. This condition can be very painful. It can be caused by both medical and Environmental factors can affect the environment..
Dry eye syndrome is a term used to describe dry eyes caused by poor quality tears or diminished tear production. The symptoms include:
- It was a sensation in both of your eyes.
- It feels like something is in your eyes.
- redness
- mucus around your eyes
- Light sensitivity.
- fatigued eyes
- blurred vision
There are a number of factors that can cause dry eyes. These include:
- Aging.
- Certain drugs.
- There are certain medical conditions.
- Environmental factors can affect the environment.
- Contacts.
- There are allergies.
The best remedy for your dry eye will depend on several individual factors. Some people have chronic dry eye and experience symptoms nearly every day. Others have dry eye that occurs seasonally in relation to There are allergies.. And some may notice their dry eye is triggered when they increase the time they spend looking at a screen. This means there isn’t a perfect, one-size-fits-all, over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for dry eye.
We considered the following when we created our list of remedies for dry eye.
- Whenever it was available, clinical research.
- The product descriptions describe the ease of use.
- active ingredients, according to packAging.
- There are hundreds of user reviews.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $10
- $$ = over $10
There are a number of nonprescription products that can help with dry eyes. Eye drops or artificial tears can be used to relieve temporary relief. If you find that these irritate your eyes, you may want to look for a product that is free of harmful chemicals.
Ointments are thicker than drops and are designed to protect the eyeball. They may provide relief from the dry weather. While using them, they can impair your vision. It is best to use them before bed and stick to drops during the day.
Best for treating dry eye overnight
Systane Nighttime Relief Lubricant Ointment
- Price: $$
- Type: ointment
This is a non-toxic and safe way to apply it before you sleep. Mineral oil and white petrolatum are used to lubricate your eyes while you sleep so that they are ready for the day. The reviewers caution against squeezing the tube too tightly as you only need a tiny bit with each application.
Best for dry eye caused by screen time
Visine Dry Eye Relief Tired Eye Drops
- Price: $
- Type: eye drops
Visine’s Tired Eye formula is meant to perk up eyes that have grown dry from too much time looking at a laptop or mobile device. Reviews say this is frequently recommended by eye doctors, and that it works quickly to relieve itchiness, redness, and inflammation. These drops might be helpful in a pinch, but remember that dry eye related to digital eyestrain can also be treated by reducing your screen time, if possible.
Best for older eyes
TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Eye Drops
- Price: $$
- Type: eye drops
As you age, it is natural to experience more eye dryness. These drops are made to relieve dryness in addition to occasional blurred visionand tearing. These eye drops are preservative-free. The brand says that this product contains five of the electrolytes found in natural tears. Reviewers say that the drops have helped with their itching and burning dry eye symptoms.
Best for use after LASIK
Refresh Optive Preservative-Free
Price: $$
Type: eye drops
These eye drops could help address the itch, irritation, and dryness that may occur after laser eye surgery, like LASIK. Active ingredients include two types of lubricants, and the formula is preservative-free. Users mention that this product’s unique single-use packAging. is helpful when traveling. Many reviewers also note that this product worked well for them after cataract or LASIK surgery.
OTC treatments are not the only way to treat dry eye.
Change your environment
Dry eyes are a result of environmental factors. It is helpful to stay indoors when it is windy.
Using appropriate eyewear to protect your eyes from wind when engAging. in activities such as riding a bike or motorcycle, skiing, or riding in a convertible can also help lessen dry eye.
It is possible to get a humidifier for your home.
Supplement your diet with fatty acids
You can use supplements to get the omega 3 you need.
- There is a ground flaxseed and a ground flaxseed oil.
- The oil is from palm
- It is a vegetable oil.
- chia seeds are seeds.
- Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are some of the fattest fish.
- There are walnuts.
- Eggs have been supplemented with omega 3 fats.
If you think you have a more serious condition that is causing your dry eyes, it is time to see your doctor. Here are some symptoms that will prompt you to call your doctor.
- There was redness and swelling.
- Pain beyond mild irritation.
- An eye injury.
- It can be from the eye or the other way around.
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- The mouth is dry.
- After a few days of self-care, it was still dry.
Dry eyes are usually temporary, and are a natural part of Aging. for most people. But in some cases, the condition is caused by something more serious. Try home care for relief and see your doctor if needed.
There are many ways to prevent dry eyes. These include:
Avoid places with a lot of air movement
This means limiting your exposure to fans and hair dryers, and wearing wraparound sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from drying out.
Turn on a humidifier in the wintertime
“Home heating systems can cause the air in your home to dry out. The air can be moist with a humidifier. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can put a pan of water on your radiator to add water to the air.”
Rest your eyes
It is important to take breaks so your eyes can get some hydration from your use of computers, TVs, and reading.
Stay away from cigarette smoke
Dry eyes can be caused by cigarette smoke, and one can be at risk of developing it.
Use warm compresses, then wash your eyelids
“The oil in your eyelid’s glands can be released by washing your eyelid with baby shampoo and placing a warm compress on your eyes. This will improve the quality of your tears. You should rinse your eyes after you finish with soap to avoid making them angry.”
Try an omega-3 fatty acid supplement
People who add Omega 3 to their diet report relief from dry eye. These can be found in foods like oily fish and flax seeds, but can also be purchased in pill form.
Can you cure dry eyes permanently?
Dry eye is a chronic condition. You can’t cure it. OTC eye drops, ointments, lifestyle changes, and prescription-strength products can all be a part of manAging. dry eye symptoms.
Does dry eye go away?
Dry eye does not fully go away. However, you may notice that seasonal There are allergies. or certain activities make your dry eye symptoms flare up. Avoiding the things that seem to irritate your eyes could mean you experience fewer symptoms.
Does lack of sleep cause dry eyes?
Lack of sleep can impact how hydrated your eyes are. That’s why your eyes can appear dry and bloodshot when you are tired. Some people’s eyelids don’t fully seal in moisture during the night, which can also lead to dry eye.
Can dry eyes lead to blindness?
“Dry eye can lead to other conditions that can cause blindness. If you don’t get treatment for dry eye, it can cause blisters to form. Dry eye can be managed easily in the United States, where OTC lubrication products are available, and it would not be an expected outcome.”
Dry eye can be managed at home. Eye drops and ointments are some of the things you can buy to help manage your symptoms. If you want to manage your dry eye naturally, you can look for products with plant-based active ingredients.
Home remedies and OTC products can be used to manage dry eye. If you have dry eye symptoms, you may need prescription strength eye drops and ointments. If you are having regular pain and irritation from dry eye, you should speak with your eye doctor.