To Protect Your Eyes from Dryness: The Best Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops

Do you rub your eyes from time to time? Do you feel as though something is stuck in your eye but can’t find anything there? Maybe your eyes are trying to tell you that they’re dry and in need of moisture.

Eyes can become dry for various reasons, such as looking at screens for long periods, exposure to wind and dust, wearing contact lenses, or other causes. Lubricating eye drops provide a solution to this problem by restoring the necessary moisture to the eyes and reducing the symptoms of dryness. So, how do you choose the best lubricating eye drops? And how do you use them correctly?

When Do You Really Need to Use Lubricating Eye Drops?

You may need to use lubricating eye drops if you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, whether due to allergies or other causes. Dry eye means that your eyes cannot maintain a healthy tear film, which they need for proper function.

In the case of dry eyes caused by allergies, the symptoms may include:

• Itchy eyes
• Eye redness
• Swelling or puffiness around the eyelids
• Mucous discharge

As for dry eyes caused by non-allergic reasons, the symptoms may include:

• A stinging or burning sensation
• Irritation or redness
• Feeling like there’s something in your eye
• Blurred vision
• Pain
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Watery eyes (as the eyes become irritated from dryness, they produce more tears)

In such cases, the need for lubricating eye drops becomes clear, especially when symptoms of dryness persist.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Eyes don’t just become dry for no reason. You may experience dry eyes due to any of the following:

• Spending long periods staring at a computer screen or reading, which reduces blinking frequency.
• Taking certain medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, allergy and cold medicines, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, or sleeping pills.
• Aging, as hormonal changes can cause the eyes to produce fewer tears, especially after menopause in women.
• Wearing contact lenses for extended periods.
• Suffering from certain diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or thyroid disease.

Types of Lubricating Eye Drops

The main types of lubricating eye drops include:

1. Lubricating Eye Drops

These are the most common types of artificial tears. They contain ingredients such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol, which help soothe and moisturize the eyes.

2. Lipid-Based Drops

These are suitable for people who suffer from dry eyes caused by rapid tear evaporation or worsening dryness. Such drops contain oils like castor oil, mineral oil, or other lipids.

The oils help stabilize the outer oily layer of tears, preventing them from evaporating too quickly, thereby keeping the eyes moist.

3. Electrolyte-Containing Drops

Some artificial tears contain electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which naturally exist in tears and can help promote the health of the eye surface.

4. Moisturizing Gels and Ointments

These are thicker formulations that provide longer-lasting moisture compared to drops. However, they can cause temporary blurred vision, so they are usually recommended for nighttime use or for those who suffer from severe or persistent dry eyes.

How to Use Lubricating Eye Drops?

Eye drops should be used according to your doctor’s instructions. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop at the same time, wait 3 to 5 minutes between different types. Here’s how to use lubricating eye drops properly:

• Shake the drops before use.
• Remove the cap, but do not touch the dropper tip to avoid contaminating it with bacteria from your fingers.
• Tilt your head slightly backward and look upward.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a small pocket.
• Hold the dropper directly above the pocket.
• Do not let the dropper touch your eye or eyelid, as this may allow bacteria to grow in the bottle.
• Gently squeeze the bottle to let one drop fall into the pocket.
• Press gently on the tear ducts (where the eyelid meets the nose) to keep them closed for one or two minutes before opening your eyes. This allows the drop to be absorbed instead of draining into the nose.
• If any drops spill, wipe them away from your closed eyelids with a tissue.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the drops.

Side Effects of Lubricating Eye Drops

Although lubricating eye drops are an excellent option for treating dry eyes and maintaining eye health, they can cause some side effects in certain people, such as:

• Temporary blurred vision, which is common especially with gels or ointments right after application, but this effect usually fades quickly.
• A mild burning or stinging sensation, which often disappears with continued use. However, if it is severe or persistent, you should stop using the drops and consult your doctor.
• Discomfort or eye irritation.
• Allergic reactions, which are rare but may occur in people sensitive to certain ingredients or preservatives in the drops. Symptoms may include itching, redness, eyelid swelling, or worsening dryness.
• Crusts on the eyelashes, which may occur especially with ointments that can leave residue.

When Do You Need Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops?

Eye drops that contain preservatives last longer and are usually less expensive. However, preservatives can irritate your eyes, especially if your dryness is moderate to severe, and may even worsen your symptoms. Some people are also allergic to the preservatives found in eye drops.

You may need preservative-free eye drops if:

• You experience irritation or discomfort when using drops that contain preservatives.
• You suffer from moderate to severe dry eyes.
• You use eye drops more than four times a day.

Such drops usually do not come in standard bottles; instead, they are packaged in single-use vials and may be more expensive than other types.

The Best Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops

Below is a list of some of the best preservative-free lubricating eye drops:

1. Icross 0.2%

Icross 0.2 % Eye Drops is a moisturizing eye drop that contains cross-linked hyaluronic acid, which maintains eye moisture and protects against dryness. It ensures high hydration and stability on the eye’s surface and provides protection for the cornea.

2. Thealoz Duo

Thealoz Duo Eye Drops 10Ml is a moisturizing eye drop that protects the eye from irritation and dryness and is free from preservatives.

3. Optive UD

Optive UD Drop is a moisturizing eye drop and an artificial tear substitute containing active ingredients such as carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% and glycerin 0.9%. It maintains the eye’s surface tension and protects against inflammation, itching, and allergic symptoms.

4. Biosoft Plus

Biosoft Plus Eye Drops 10Ml is a preservative-free moisturizing eye drop suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It helps relieve symptoms of moderate to severe dry eye.

5. Hyalez

Hyalez Eye Drops 10Ml contain sodium hyaluronate 0.1%, which helps moisturize the eyes and prevent dryness by stabilizing the tear film and keeping the eyes hydrated.

6. Systane Ultra

Systan Ultra Ud Eye Drop is a high-performance lubricating eye drop that provides long-lasting protection from dryness and offers rapid relief from dry eye symptoms.

7. Thealoz Duo Gel

Thealoz Duo Gel Single 30 Doses is preservative-free, making it gentle on the eyes. Some people are sensitive to preservatives in eye products, so this gel is safe for long-term use on the eye surface.

Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes

Finally, here are some tips to help protect your eyes from dryness and irritation:

• Use artificial tears or moisturizing eye drops as directed by your doctor.
• Take breaks from looking at screens every now and then for 10 minutes, and try to blink frequently to help your eyes regain moisture.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind exposure that may worsen dryness.
• Apply warm compresses to your eyes to help the glands secrete oils that improve tear quality and keep your eyes moisturized.
• Use a high-quality air filter at home, especially if you live in areas with polluted air.
• Use a humidifier at home to add moisture to dry air.
• Drink plenty of water.