If you’ve ever walked down the eye care aisle at your local drugstore, you know just how overwhelming it can be…so many tiny bottles promising relief, but which one is right for your eyes? Whether you’re dealing with dryness, redness, allergies or something else entirely, choosing the right eye drops can make a big difference in your comfort and eye health!
It can be difficult to tell the difference between some of the different symptoms and problems you face with your eyes, so if you have doubts, it is always best to seek input from your eye doctor prior to self-treatment. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out which type might be best for your needs.
1. Dry Eyes? Look for Lubricating or Artificial Tears
If your eyes feel gritty, tired or like they’re constantly in need of moisture, you might be experiencing dry eye. This is especially common for people who spend a lot of time staring at screens or in dry environments. Be aware that most dry eye is caused by inflammation so if the artificial tears provide only short-term relief, see your eye care professional. Look for:
- Artificial tears
- Preservative-free options if you use them frequently (More than 4 drops per day)
- Formulas with hyaluronic acid or other long-lasting lubricants
Tip: Avoid “redness relief” drops for dry eyes, as these can make dryness worse over time.
2. Itchy, Watery Eyes from Allergies? Go Antihistamine
Allergy season can turn your eyes into a nonstop itch fest. Antihistamine eye drops can provide quick relief by blocking the histamines that cause allergy symptoms.
Look for:
- Antihistamine drops (e.g., ketotifen)
- Dual-action drops that also reduce surface inflammation
Tip: These can be used alongside oral allergy meds for extra relief!
3. Red Eyes? Use with Caution
While it’s tempting to reach for “redness relief” drops, they’re usually not a long-term fix. These drops work by constricting blood vessels in the eye, which can lead to rebound redness if used too often.
Look for:
- Drops with “low-rebound” formulas (e.g., brimonidine-based)
- Lubricating drops if redness is caused by dryness
Tip: If your eyes are persistently red, see an eye doctor to rule out possible infections or other underlying issues.
4. Contact Lens Wearer? Choose Lens-Friendly Drops
Not all eye drops are safe for use with contacts. Using the wrong type can lead to irritation or even damage your lenses.
Look for:
- Rewetting drops labeled specifically for your type of contact lenses
- Preservative-free options if you have sensitive eyes
Tip: Always remove your lenses before using medicated drops unless the label says otherwise and avoid inserting contact lenses for at least 20-minutes after using drops not labeled for use with contact lenses
5. Dealing with a Medical Condition? Ask Your Eye Doctor
If you have conditions like glaucoma, pink eye or another form of eye infection, you’ll need prescription drops tailored to your condition .
Examples include:
- Antibiotic drops for bacterial infections
- Various medications for drops for inflammation
- Glaucoma drops to lower eye pressure
Tip: Never self-diagnose or treat a medical eye issue without professional guidance.
The right eye drops depend on the root cause of your symptoms. If over-the-counter options aren’t helping, or your symptoms are getting worse, it’s best to book an eye appointment (and save money by seeing an in-network provider!) Your vision is precious, and a professional can help you find the safest and most effective solution.
Do your eyes feel itchy, dry or red after swimming? Check out our blog: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy While Swimming for simple ways to protect your eyes in and out of the pool.
