Pharmacist Recommended Products for Dry Eye
Dryness can result from aging, hormonal changes, screen use, contact lenses, or dry environments. There are several eye drops, gels and ointments intended for dry eye, they work for the same purpose of adding and retaining moisture in the eye, but there are different formulas.
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For mild, occasional dryness, light drops like Refresh Tears® or Blink Tears® work well.
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If symptoms are frequent or you use drops more than 4 times daily, switch to preservative-free options such as Systane Hydration® PF or Refresh Optive® Mega-3.
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For persistent daytime dryness, gel drops give longer protection.
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At night, use Systane Nighttime® ointment to prevent morning irritation. Always avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye.
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Systane Nighttime® PF Eye Ointment
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​Want to learn more, read the product description below.
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Lubricant Eye Drops
Systane Ultra® (Polyethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol) – Slightly thicker consistency for longer-lasting comfort; helpful for digital eye strain.
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Refresh Tears® (Carboxymethylcellulose) – Light, fast-absorbing drops for mild dryness or sensitive eyes; suitable for frequent daytime use.
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Blink Tears® (Polyethylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate) – Contains hyaluronic acid for moisture retention; available in standard and contact lens-safe versions.
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Preservative-Free & Specialized Drops
Systane Hydration® PF Single-Use Vials (Hyaluronic Acid) – Preservative-free vials ideal for sensitive eyes or frequent users.
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Refresh Optive® Mega-3 PF – Oil-enriched, preservative-free drops that support the lipid layer; useful for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
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Refresh Optive® Gel Drops – Thicker gel-like drops for more persistent dryness that standard drops can’t relieve.
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Nighttime Relief
Systane Nighttime® PF Ointment – Petrolatum-based ointment that seals in moisture overnight; best for waking with dry or irritated eyes.
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When to See a Doctor
Most cases of dry eye are mild and manageable with OTC products. However, seek medical care if symptoms are severe, persist despite regular treatment, or are accompanied by redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, sudden changes in vision, or excessive discharge. These may indicate an underlying condition requiring professional evaluation.