Artificial Tears: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Know Before You Buy
When your eyes feel gritty, burning, or like they’re full of sand, artificial tears, over-the-counter eye drops designed to mimic natural tears and relieve dryness. Also known as eye lubricants, they’re one of the most common remedies for dry eyes, a condition caused by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. Unlike prescription meds, you can buy them without a script—but that doesn’t mean they’re all equal.
Not every bottle of artificial tears is made the same. Some contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, which can irritate sensitive eyes if used more than four times a day. Others are preservative-free, sold in single-use vials, and better for long-term use. Then there are the thicker gels and ointments—ideal for nighttime use but too blurry for daytime. If you’re dealing with ocular surface health, the condition of the outer layer of your eye, including the cornea and conjunctiva, choosing the right formula matters. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or polyethylene glycol help hold moisture longer. Some even include lipids to repair the oily layer of your tear film, which prevents evaporation.
People use artificial tears for all kinds of reasons: staring at screens too long, being in dry air, taking antihistamines, or after eye surgery. But if you’re using them daily for weeks and still feel discomfort, something else might be going on—like blepharitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, or meibomian gland dysfunction. That’s where the real work begins: figuring out the root cause. The posts below cover everything from how to pick the best drops for your lifestyle, to what happens when you mix artificial tears with other eye meds, and why some people swear by refrigerated bottles while others avoid them entirely. You’ll also find real-world advice on avoiding common mistakes—like using drops past their expiration date, or storing them in the car where heat ruins the formula. Whether you’re new to eye drops or have been using them for years, there’s something here that’ll help you see clearer, feel better, and stop guessing what works.
Dry Eye Management from Medications: Lubricants and Humidifiers
Dry eye disease affects millions, often worsened by common medications. Learn how lubricants like Miebo, Restasis, and Xiidra work, why humidifiers help, and what really works based on real patient results and clinical data.
Popular posts
