The 13 Best Eye Drops for Dry, Itchy, Irritated Eyes, According to an Eye Doctor

Active Ingredients: Hypromellose | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.34 oz.

Best eye drops

Drugstore Confusion – Which Eye Drop is Best for Me?

The eye drop section of your local pharmacy or supermarket can be overwhelming. Some stores have over one hundred different drops that treat a variety of conditions. Before talking about specific eye drops, let’s take a look at a few of the most of the common causes of eye irritation that I see with my patients at Boulder Medical Center:

• Dry Eyes — the most common cause of eye irritation, burning, and redness that I see in Colorado
• Blepharitis — eyelid inflammation caused by blockage of tear glands. Also referred to as meibomian gland dysfunction or ocular rosacea
• Allergic Conjunctivitis — eye inflammation caused by allergies
• Viral Conjunctivitis — inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball, caused by a viral infection

Over-The-Counter Remedies

The most common eye drops that I recommend, especially for Colorado’s dry air, are lubricating drops. These work by introducing tear elements that add moisture to your eye, similar to how moisturizing lotion keeps your hands and skin from drying out and becoming irritated. Choosing the best lubricating drop is often a personal choice, and I find that many of my patients do well with brands such as Systane, Refresh, or Soothe XP. I have not found an eye drop that most of my patients prefer, as there are many options with various active ingredients, viscosities, and other characteristics. Keep in mind that preservatives in eye drops can occasionally cause an allergic reaction, so preservative-free drops are often available for patients that are sensitive to preservatives.

Symptoms of blepharitis include red eyes and/or eyelids, styes, itching, or burning. Warm compresses and eyelid scrubs using baby shampoo or Ocusoft are the mainstays of treatment. Systane Balance and Retaine MGD are specifically formulated for this condition as well.

For eye irritation caused by allergies, Ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor) can be effective. These medications are mast cell stabilizers that prevent or control certain allergic disorders. They are safe to use for itchy eyes twice a day during allergy season.

If you have severe dry eye problems that are not relieved by eye drops, you may need a lubricating gel or ointment. Because gels and ointments for dry eyes can cause blurry vision after application, most people use these products just before going to sleep.

Prescription Medications

If over-the-counter drops or ointments do not alleviate your symptoms, a prescription may be necessary. Restasis and Xiidra are two prescriptions that may be effective for dry eye symptoms. The active ingredient in Restasis is cyclosporine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. Restasis decreases inflammation in the eye and lacrimal gland (this gland secretes an aqueous tear film) to increase tear production. Restasis can take up to three months for patients to notice an improvement. Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) is a newer prescription drop that blocks the protein that can exist on the cells’ surface on the front of your eye. This protein can block the production of healthy tears, increasing dry eye symptoms.

An issue with both of these prescriptions is that they can be expensive and may not be supported by your insurance. Talk to your eye doctor to see if additional procedures may be effective.

Drops to Avoid

It’s best to avoid decongestant eye drops such as Visine, Naphcon, Opcon, or Clear Eyes when treating dry eyes. You can recognize these drops because they are typically advertised as a relief for red eyes or allergies. These drops make your eyes look less red by constricting the blood vessels in the eye but can worsen your symptoms. Moreover, your eye can also become addicted to these medications when used frequently.

Certain products temporarily improve your eye irritation symptoms, but it’s important to remember that conditions such as dry eyes can be related to other health problems or medications. It would be best if you had your eye health evaluated annually. Knowing the cause of the dryness will help you and your doctor make the best choice of eye drops and other treatments.

My next article discusses the ingredients of different over-the-counter eye drops to help you better understand your choices. — Dr. Ken Kreidl

About Dr. Ken Kreidl
Ophthalmologist at Boulder Medical Center

Dr. Kreidl, originally from San Francisco, California, started practicing at the Boulder Medical Center in August 2004. He and his wife, Ryn, a local pediatrician, have two children, Luke and Max. Dr. Kreidl loves mountain biking and skiing with his family, and was a nationally ranked tennis player before becoming dedicated to medicine.

Dr. Kreidl offers a full range of ophthalmology services and treatments for conditions including:

• Surgery – Crystalens and Trulign accommodative lenses
• Glaucoma – SLT, ALT, LPI
• Diabetes – Retinal laser surgery
• Dry Eyes
• Eyelid surgery
• Eye Trauma
• Complete eye exams
• Contact Lenses
• Glasses

The 13 Best Eye Drops for Dry, Itchy, Irritated Eyes, According to an Eye Doctor

Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.

Caitlyn Martyn is a New York-based beauty and style writer for Byrdie. Before joining Byrdie, Caitlyn was the Associate Beauty Editor at L’Oréal’s Makeup.com and Skincare.com, where she wrote articles and learned everything there is to know about makeup, skincare and haircare.

Swiner is a Board-Certified Family Doctor, covering a broad spectrum of both medical and mental health issues. She loves taking care of the family as a whole—from the cradle to the grave. Her interests include Minority Health, Women’s Health and Pediatrics. As a wife and mother of two, she uses real-life experiences to clearly communicate keys to better health and wellness for mind, body and spirit. She is the author of How to Avoid the Superwoman Complex.

It’s a fact: Dry, red, and irritated eyes are really uncomfortable. Also, a fact: More people than ever before are experiencing that incredibly annoying eye itch, says board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo. Looking for relief? Hilal-Campo says a good eye drop can ease discomfort instantly.

If you, like us, pop into a drugstore or rummage through your medicine cabinet and grab the first eye drops you can find, know that not all eye drops are created equal. Different ingredients can make eye drops more or less useful to easing your discomfort, so it’s important to choose the right one for you.

To help you figure out which eye drops are best for your eyes, we conducted hours of research to find the best eye drops, evaluating each formula on its dosage, ingredients, and intended use. Then, we consulted with a board-certified ophthalmologist to land on the best eye drops for dry, itchy eyes.

Best Overall

Systane Lubricant Eye Gel Drops

• Thick, gel-like consistency
• Ideal for nighttime use
• Long-lasting

Per the name, these eye drops have a texture is on the thicker side—more gel- than liquid-like—making it a great option if you want to ensure long-lasting moisture. How does it work? Well, thanks to the viscous consistency, it forms a protective shield over the eyes, offering relief from the burning and irritation associated with dry eye. They’re great to use pre-bedtime to keep your eyes lubricated overnight.

Who It’s For

If you experience a lot of discomfort from dry eyes—like burning, stinging, or grittiness—these drops might be able to help. Due to the thicker nature of the formula, the drops create a protective shield over the eyes, forming a barrier that protects against irritating dry air and debris.

Price at time of publish: $14

Active Ingredients: Polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.34 oz.

Best Budget

Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops

• A little goes a long way
• Safe for contact lens-wearers
• Good value

Super hydrating and gentle (they don’t even sting when you first apply them), these check all of the basic moisturizing eye drop boxes. They work quickly (how long it takes might vary depending on the user) and ring in at a very wallet-friendly price in the event you want to stock up on multiple bottles to keep on hand at all times. A little goes a long way, so all you’ll need is a drop or two as needed.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly eye drop solution, this clear, non-greasy option help lubricate and moisten the eyes, even if you wear contact lenses.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose sodium | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Drugstore

Refresh Relieva

• Preservative-free
• Safe for contact lens-wearers
• Helpful for sensitive eyes

As a general rule of thumb, Dr. Hillal-Campo says opting for preservative-free formulas is best, and this is preservative-free one of her favorites. She explains that it’s a great, all-around dry eye relief product, as it contains a mix of commonly used eye drop ingredients, as well as sodium hyaluronate, which makes it very soothing. FYI, double-check to make sure you’re getting the preservative-free version, as there’s also a variant that does contain preservatives. The only downside of this product is that some reviewers find the dropper to be a bit finicky from time to time, so you may have to put in some elbow grease.

Who It’s For

Refresh Relieva Eye Drops are for people (contact lens-wearers or not) who experience dry, irritated eyes on a daily basis or those with sensitive eyes.

Price at time of publish: $13

Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.33 fl. oz.

Best Drugstore, Runner-Up

Visine Dry Eye Relief Lubricating Eye Drops

This brand may be best known for drops that combat redness, but they also make this straightforward option to help add much-needed moisture to dry eyes. The formula touts 10 ingredients found in your tears so that they work as such, helping to combat not only that dry, sandpapery feeling but also itching and burning. Keep in mind that these shouldn’t be used when you’re wearing contact lenses.

Who It’s For

Visine’s Dry Eye Relief drops are a type of over-the-counter eye drop that can help relieve the symptoms of dry eye. That said, they’re most likely to benefit people who experience dry eye because of environmental factors, like wind, dust, or smoke.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Polyethylene glycol, glycerin | Concerns: Dryness, burning, itching | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.5 oz.

Best for Mild Dryness

Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops

• Instantly soothes and comforts
• Hyaluronate works as a hydration booster for long-lasting relief

If you experience occasional dryness, reach for these drops. Not quite as intense as some of the others on this list, they’re ideal if your eyes just feel slightly scratchy or gritty from time to time. A drop or two should work instantly, making your eyes feel so much more comfortable. Something to note: These drops are on the runny side, so be sure to use a gentle touch when squeezing the dropper.

Who It’s For

If you only experience mild dryness from time to time, this is the best option for you. As we mentioned above, they’re not as intense as other options on this list—so you may need to reapply more often—but they can be used as often as needed.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Polyethylene glycol | Concerns: Dryness, itchiness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 1 oz.

Best for Moderate Dryness

TheraTears Extra Dry Eye Therapy

• Preservative-free
• Thin consistency
• Promises up to 12 hours of comfort

If you experience dryness more often than not, this formula is a great choice. This brand boasts the fact that it was created by an ophthalmologist and the result of nearly two decades of research (color us impressed). Also nice: it’s an electrolyte-balanced option that does a great job of hydrating the eye. Plus, it’s another option that’s preservative-free. It tends to come out of the bottle quickly, so keep that in mind when dropping it into your eyes.

Who It’s For

These viscous eye drops help lubricate the eyes and protect them from irritants. This is a good catch-all option that would work for most people with dry eye.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 1 oz.

Best for Severe Dryness

GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Gel

• Ideal for nighttime use
• A little goes a long way
• Thick, gel-like consistency

A thick gel—like this one—is best for the most extreme dryness (you know, the kind that can hurt). Just a tiny squirt of these drops designed specifically for dry eyes fully coats your each eye and delivers long-lasting relief, whether you’re using it day or night. Some reviewers shared that the drops temporarily blurred their vision, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on applying them before driving.

Just FYI, though, if your symptoms don’t improve after using these (or any other drops for that matter), see your eye doc as you may need a prescription-strength option, notes Dr. Hilal-Campo.

Who It’s For

If you’re experiencing extreme dry eye, it’s important to see an eye doctor. However, in the meantime, these thick eye drops can help. They’re designed to deliver relief over the course of a few hours, day or night.

Price at time of Publish: $11

Active Ingredients: Hypromellose | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.34 oz.

Best for Redness

LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops

• Some side effects can occur, like blurred vision or dry eyes

If redness and dryness go hand-in-hand for you, consider these redness-relieving drops, which use brimonidine, an ingredient that targets redness quickly. It’s one of the best ways to brighten the whites of your eyes. The results also last for eight hours, making these a great pick to use on bleary-eyed mornings.

It’s important to note that some people report blurred vision when trying these drops. While we didn’t notice any of side effects, it’s worth paying attention to if you have certain medical conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment. It’s always best to talk to your doctor before trying a new solution.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for an over-the-counter fix, these eye drops can temporarily diminish the look of redness and make your eyes appear whiter and brighter.

Price at time of publish: $11

Active Ingredients: Brimonidine tartrate | Concerns: Redness | Dosage: 1 drop every 6 to 8 hours | Size: 0.08 oz.

Best Homeopathic

Similasan Complete Eye Relief

• Multi-purpose
• Good value
• Natural ingredients

These standout drops address not only dryness but pretty much every eye problem we could think of: redness, watering, burning, grittiness, and irritation. But equally noteworthy is the fact that this is the only homeopathic option on the list, relying on natural ingredients such as a wildflower known as “eyebright” rather than chemicals. Ask your doctor what’s best for you and your eyes as it varies from person to person.

Who It’s For

These eye drops are best for those looking for a homeopathic option. Formulated with natural ingredients like eyebright, chamomile, and calendula, which are thought to help soothe and moisturize the eyes, these drops can help relieve the symptoms of dry eye without chemicals.

Price at time of publish: $14

Active Ingredients: Belladonna, euphrasia officinalis, mercurius sublimatus | Concerns: Redness, watering, burning, dryness | Dosage: 2 to 3 drops as needed | Size: 0.33 oz.

Best Oil-Based

Ocusoft RETAINE MGD Ophthalmic Emulsion Eye Drops

• Some people can be allergic to the main ingredient

“It’s being increasingly realized that the majority of dry eye patients may have meibomian gland disease, meaning the oil layer of the tears isn’t produced as well,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. For these people, drops that contain oil, like this one, are extremely helpful. In particular, this one contains mineral oil—an ingredient better known for treating dry, sensitive skin—which makes it long-lasting and soothing, she says. The caveat? Some people can be allergic to mineral oil, so discontinue use if you experience irritation.

Who It’s For

This is a great alternative to traditional eye drops for people with conditions like meibomian glad disease, or folks that need or prefer an oil formula to treat their dry eye since.

Price at time of publish: $23

Active Ingredients: Mineral oil | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.01 oz.

Best for Contact Lens Wearers

Opti-Free Replenish Rewetting Drops

• Suitable for contact lens wearers
• Hydrating formula
• Quick relief

Dryness (and itchiness and redness and every other eye issue) only becomes more challenging to treat when you’re also wearing contacts. Enter this mild formula that instantly re-wets and moisturizes contact lenses (so there’s no need to take them out) and also removes any minuscule particles like dust or makeup that may be irritating. The only caveat: It contains preservatives, so if that’s a deal breaker for you, you might want to skip this one.

Who It’s For

This formula is ideal for anyone who wears contact lenses daily. We love that you can apply these drops even when you have your contacts in—the same can’t be said for all of the other formulas on this list.

Price at time of publish: $7

Active Ingredients: Citrate/borate buffer, sodium chloride | Concerns: Dryness | Dosage: 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.33 oz.

Best Single-Use

Bausch and Lomb Soothe XP Emollient (Lubricant) Eye Drops – Preservative Free

• Hydrating formula
• Long-lasting
• More hygienic option than others on this list

Using the same eye drops over and over again can cause contamination, especially if you’re sharing the bottle with family members or are using it after an eye infection. “Some people prefer drops that come in individual-use vials, which they find easy to carry and use,” points out Dr. Hilal-Campo. This product fits the bill and it is another preservative-free drop that moisturizes the eye, prevents tear loss, and comes in single-use, sterile vials.

Who It’s For

These single-use eye drops are great for anyone concerned with cross-contamination. Single-use eye drops, in general, are less likely to transfer bacteria from one person to another and can help eliminate the chance of reinfection if using the drops after an eye infection.

Price at time of publish: $11

Active Ingredients: Mineral oil | Concerns: Dryness, burning | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.5 oz.

Best for Irritation

Rohto Cool Max Redness Relief Eye Drops

• Cooling effect
• Long-lasting
• Good value

If you often deal with itchy, stinging eyes, look to these drops that instantly cool the eyes upon contact. To help teat the irritation part of things, this formula relies on a micro-emulsion formula that targets all three layers of tear film to keep your eyes comfortably lubricated for up to eight hours. Note: Menthol, which is in the formula, can be irritating to some, so we recommend chatting with your eye doctor if you’re unsure if this is a good option for you.

Who It’s For

These over-the-counter drops can relieve symptoms of dry eye and contain a cooling agent that soothes eyes in addition to a decongestant that helps reduce redness.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Polysorbate, naphazoline hydrochloride | Concerns: Redness, burning, dryness | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops up to 4x daily | Size: 0.4 oz.

Best Preservative-Free

Biotrue Hydration Boost Dry Eye Drops

• Preservative-free
• Suitable for contact lens wearers
• Great for super sensitive eyes

Those with super sensitive eyes may want to opt for super gentle options, and this is a choice pick. Not only are these preservative-free, but they’re also pH-balanced, contain a protective antioxidant, and are instantly hydrating and soothing. You can use them even if you’re wearing contacts, and they’re a good way to ward off dryness even before it starts, too.

Who It’s For

Anyone seeking preservative-free eye drops will enjoy these pH-balanced drops made with protective antioxidants and a slew of soothing, hydrating ingredients.

Price at time of publish: $18

Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Concerns: Dryness, burning, itching | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops as needed | Size: 0.33 oz.

Where We Stand

The Systane Gel Drops are our overall favorite dryness-relieving drop, thanks to its thick texture that makes them extremely lubricating. The Refresh Relieva Eye Drops are an inexpensive option that’s preservative-free. Contact lens-wearers will enjoy the Opti-Free Replenish Rewetting Drops, which you can drop into your eyes while still wearing contact lenses.

What to Look for in Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

• Active Ingredients: According to Hilal-Campo, common ingredients used in eye drops include carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, and propylene glycol. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to these ingredients though, which is why it’s important to know which one you’re using. “It often requires some trial and error to find a product that works best for you,” she explains. If you have super irritated eyes and don’t want to play around with different options, you can’t go wrong with the Rohto Cool Max Redness Relief Eye Drops, our choice for best for irritation.
• Preservatives: Hilal-Campo also recommends seeking out preservative-free drops, often marketed as preservative-free tears, which are the best over-the-counter drops for dry eyes, given that these ingredients can be irritating and can actually exacerbate dryness for many people. The Biotrue Hydration Boost Dry Eye Drops are among some of our favorites when it comes to preservative-free eye drops.
• Dosage: You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the recommended dosage in each formula. Some require multiple drops a day, while others suggest using only once a day. Spend some time reading the directions on the package of the option you choose so you can experience the benefits.

Dr. Hilal-Campo says you should never use eye drops for dry eyes more than four times a day. “Eye drops have preservatives in them that can be toxic to the cornea and conjunctival epithelium when used more frequently than instructed,” she explains. However, she notes that preservative-free formulas can be used as frequently as needed. “If you’re using eye drops more than four times daily, you should consider going to an eye care professional to get a prescription medication,” she adds.

How many drops you should deposit into your eyes will depend on each formula and what the directions on the product indicate. According to Hilal-Campo, one drop per eye is typically considered a full dose, however, some formulas may indicate inserting three or more drops at a time.

Although there’s no set limit for how many days in a row you can use eye drops, long-term use is not recommended without the care of an ophthalmologist or eye care expert.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best eye drops for dry eyes on the market, evaluating each on the premise of ingredients, dosage, and intended purpose. We also checked out reviews from customers and trusted sources, like ophthalmologists and eye care experts. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences with testing these eye drops in their own lives. Then, we used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five—five being the best and one being the worst—to all of the products on this list. Only the highest-ranking, top-performing products made the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. As a long-time contact lens wearer, she’s very familiar with a dry eye situation (and the best products that can help).

Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie. She is also a long-time contact lens wearer, as well as a sensitive eye girlie, so she knows a thing or two about eye health.

Team Byrdie worked with an eye expert to help inform our picks:

• Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a board-certified ophthalmologist based in Oakland, New Jersey. She is renowned for her expertise in correcting a wide range of disorders in the eye, both medically and surgically. She is also the founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty, a brand dedicated to formulating eye-safe cosmetics.

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

1. Rahman MQ, Ramaesh K, Montgomery DM. Brimonidine for glaucoma. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2010;9(3):483-491. doi:10.1517/14740331003709736