If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or like you have something stuck in them that you can’t get out, you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of dry eye. Dry eye is extremely common, and most people experience it at some point in life.
One of the best treatments for dry eye is over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. They are easy to find and often highly effective at relieving the symptoms of dry eye.
However, sometimes, OTC eye drops just aren’t enough. Keep reading to learn more about the best dry eye drops, the differences between over-the-counter eye drops and prescription eye drops, and what treatments are available if eye drops don’t relieve dry eye.
What Are the Different Types of Over-the-Counter Dry Eye Drops?
There are a wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, each designed to treat specific symptoms and conditions. If you need an eye drop for dry eyes, it is important to know exactly what to look for.
The best OTC eye drops for dry eyes are artificial tears and eye lubricants. These drops can help moisturize the surface of your eyes, known as the cornea.
There are many brands of lubricating eye drops, and you may need to try a few before you find one that works for you. A good lubricating eye drop will keep your eyes comfortable for a reasonable time between applications.
If you are treating dry eye with OTC eye drops, there are some you should steer clear of. Eye drops specifically marketed to relieve red eyes, or allergy symptoms may contain ingredients that can worsen dry eye.
When in doubt, it’s always best to ask your eye doctor at Shepherd Eye Center for a specific recommendation.
When OTC Eye Drops Aren’t Enough
If you’ve tried OTC eye drops and are still experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for an evaluation. You may have more severe dry eye and require a prescription eye drop.
Here are some of the signs that you may need a prescription eye drop:
Persistent symptoms: Your dry, irritated, or gritty eyes don’t improve with OTC eye drops
Severe discomfort: You have eye pain, burning, and severe redness, even after using OTC eye drops.
Overuse of OTC eyedrops: Using OTC eyedrops many times a day to treat symptoms can be a sign that you need a stronger eyedrop.
Blurry vision: Visual disturbances can be a sign that OTC eye drops aren’t keeping the surface of your eye moist enough.
An underlying health condition: OTC eye drops may not be effective at treating dry eye caused by certain underlying health conditions.
How is Chronic Dry Eye Treated?
If both OTC and prescription eye drops are not working to treat your dry eye, you could have a chronic dry eye condition. Chronic dry eye can be caused by an age-related reduction in tear production, blockage of the meibomian glands (which produce the oily layer of tears), and certain diseases, including Sjögren’s syndrome.
Eye drops are usually not enough to treat chronic dry eye. More effective treatments include punctal plus to block tear drainage and BlephEx, an in-office eyelid cleaning procedure that can help unblock the meibomian glands.
While OTC eye drops are highly effective at treating the symptoms of mild dry eye, they may not be enough to provide relief for more severe or chronic dry eye. The best way to find the right treatment for you is by scheduling a comprehensive exam with an eye doctor who can give you an accurate diagnosis and offer effective treatment options for lasting dry eye relief.
Are you experiencing symptoms of dry eye? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center at one of our 5 locations in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV, today!