Understanding Over the Counter (OTC) Eye Drops for Dry Eyes: What Works and Why

Dec 20

Written By Seona .

If you have dry eyes, you’ve probably faced the daunting task of choosing from rows of over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops at the pharmacy. While OTC drops can provide temporary relief, they only address symptoms—not the root cause of dry eye. Here’s what you need to know about the different options and when it might be time to seek professional care.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drops

1. Aqueous-Based Drops

Mimic the watery component of your tears to quickly hydrate your eyes.
Common brands: Systane Ultra, Refresh Tears.
Best for mild dryness but may need frequent application since they evaporate quickly.

2. Lipid-Based Drops

Help replenish the oily layer of your tears, reducing evaporation.
Common brands: Systane Balance, Refresh Optive Mega-3.
Ideal for dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

3. Ointment-Based Drops for Nighttime

Thicker, longer-lasting relief that protects your eyes while you sleep.
Common brands: Refresh PM, Systane Nighttime.
Great for those who wake up with dry or irritated eyes.

Understanding Eye Drop Ingredients

The active ingredients in eye drops determine how they work:

Glycerin & Propylene Glycol: Attract and retain moisture.
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) & Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC): Lubricate and protect the eye surface.
Hyaluronic Acid: Found in Ivizia and Optase, provides exceptional moisture retention and stabilizes the tear film.
Trehalose: A bioprotectant in Ivizia that helps protect and stabilize cells.
Lipid-Based Oils: Found in Refresh Optive Mega-3 and Retaine MGD, these replenish the oily layer of your tears.
Preservatives: Prevent bacterial growth in multi-use bottles (e.g., benzalkonium chloride), but frequent use can irritate sensitive eyes.
Preservative-Free Options: Drops like Optase and Refresh Relieva PF are gentler, especially for sensitive eyes or frequent use.

Prescription Drops

When OTC options aren’t enough, prescription eye drops can address the root causes of dry eye:

Inflammation: Medications like Restasis, Cequa, and Xiidra target inflammation in the tear glands.
Tear Evaporation: Miebo prevents tears from evaporating off the eye surface.
Stimulating Tear Production: Tyrvaya is a nasal spray that encourages your lacrimal glands to produce more natural tears.

Beyond Eye Drops: Other Treatment Options

Punctal Plugs

Tiny devices inserted into your tear ducts to keep tears on your eyes longer.
Best for patients without significant inflammation or allergies, as trapped tears could worsen irritation.

In-Office Treatments

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio Frequency (RF) directly address meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammation. These treatments restore gland function, improve tear quality, and reduce tear evaporation, often decreasing the need for eye drops over time.

What’s the Best Option for You?

While OTC drops are a great starting point for symptom relief, they don’t always tackle the underlying problem. If you find that drops aren’t enough, Innovative EyeCare offers advanced, customized treatments to address the root causes of dry eye. From personalized care plans to cutting-edge therapies like IPL and RF, we focus on long-term solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Don’t settle for temporary relief—schedule a consultation with Innovative EyeCare today to take the first step toward lasting dry eye relief.

Seona .