Artificial tears
Artificial tears are eye drops that are used to moisturize dry eyes by helping to maintain moisture on the outer surface of the eye. These eye drops may be used to treat dry eyes caused by aging, certain medications, a disease, eye surgery, or environmental factors such as exposure to smoke or wind.
Artificial tears are available over the counter. No one brand works best for every type of dry eye. You may need to try several different brands to find the right eye drops for you.
Some artificial tears help to heal the eyes in addition to lubricating and moisturizing them, while others reduce the evaporation of tears from the eyes. Artificial tears may also contain ingredients that keep the solution on the surface of the eye longer.
Artificial tears come in two types:
Preservative-containing eye drops. This type often comes in multi-dose bottles and contains preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria after the bottle is opened. Preservatives can irritate your eyes, especially if you have moderate to severe dry eyes.
Preservative-free eye drops. This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you use artificial tears more than four times a day or have moderate to severe dry eyes. Preservative-free artificial tears come in single-use vials.
Artificial tears are also available in a gel-like form. This may cause temporary blurring of vision.
If you are still having problems after trying different products, the next step is to use one or more moisturizing eye ointments. These can temporarily blur vision, so you may want to apply the ointment just before bed.
If you haven't found relief with all of these, see an ophthalmologist to recommend other treatments.