Top 10 Eye Drops for Dry Eyes: Find the Best Relief

Introduction

Your eyes weren’t built for hours of screen time. But here we are—dry, red, gritty eyes that make it hard to read, scroll, or even blink comfortably. 

Dry eyes are increasingly common, especially among those spending long hours in air-conditioned rooms or staring at digital screens.  An estimated 32% of Indian adults report symptoms of dry eye. Around 10–20% of people over the age of 40 experience moderate to severe dry eye symptoms or actively seek treatment. 

But relief is within reach—with the right eye drops, you can restore moisture, soothe irritation, and protect your eyes from long-term damage.

This guide helps you navigate the top 10 eye drops for dry eyes in India, understand how they work, and make the best choice for your lifestyle, symptoms, and sensitivity.

Overview of Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

Eye drops for dry eyes are available in various formulations, each targeting specific aspects of the condition. Artificial tears are designed to mimic the natural composition of your tears, providing instant lubrication and comfort. For those with sensitive eyes or who require frequent use, preservative-free eye drops are an ideal choice, minimising the risk of irritation. Some eye drops contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as cyclosporine, which address underlying inflammation and offer long-lasting relief. Other beneficial components include hyaluronic acid and trehalose, which help stabilise the tear film and support the health of your corneas.

When Do You Need to Use Eye Drops for Dry Eyes?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to use eye drops for dry eyes:

• Dryness
• Irritation
• Redness
• Gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes

Various factors, including environmental conditions, excessive screen time, contact lens wear, or chronic conditions such as dry eye syndrome, can trigger these symptoms. When your eyes feel consistently dry or irritated, using eye drops can provide quick and effective relief. For those with chronic dry eyes, regular use of preservative-free eye drops can help maintain eye health and alleviate symptoms.

How to Choose the Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

Dry eye disease isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. It can be caused by different problems, such as:

• Aqueous deficiency: Your eyes don’t make enough tears.
• Evaporative dry eye: Your tears evaporate too quickly, often due to meibomian gland dysfunction.
• Mixed type: A combination of both.
  Each type may present with the same symptoms—grittiness, burning, redness—but the root causes (and treatments) are different.

Eye drops vary in composition:

• Artificial tears replenish moisture.
• Lipid-based drops help reduce evaporation.
• Preservative-free drops are ideal for sensitive eyes or frequent use.
• Prescription drops like cyclosporine target inflammation.

Why do you need to use the right drops for your dry eye condition?

Using the wrong eye drop might give only temporary relief, or even worsen symptoms.
For example:

• A person with evaporative dry eye may not benefit much from water-based drops alone.
• Someone with mild symptoms may not need thicker gel-like formulations that can blur vision.

How to Use Eye Drops for Dry Eyes?

To achieve the best results from your eye drops, follow the recommended dosing instructions. For mild symptoms, using drops as needed may be sufficient. However, for chronic dry eyes, consistent use, such as four times daily, can provide significant relief. When applying the drops, tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket, and squeeze the drop into this space. Be sure to avoid touching the dropper to your eye to prevent contamination. Consistent use over a period of 30 days to 3 months can lead to improved healing of the corneal surface, providing lasting comfort for your eyes.

Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

When it comes to finding the best eye drops for dry eyes in India, several reliable options are available. Let us take a closer look at some of the top eye drops that can help alleviate your dry eye symptoms.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes

While using the right eye drops can provide relief from dry eyes, taking preventive measures is equally important. By incorporating some simple lifestyle changes and good eye care habits, you can help maintain the health and moisture of your eyes, reducing the need for frequent use of eye drops.

• Take breaks when using digital devices: Regularly close your eyes or blink while working on computers or reading to prevent prolonged dryness.
• Avoid Smoke and Irritants: Stay away from smoke and other environmental irritants that can dry out your eyes.
• Use Humidifiers: Especially in dry environments, humidifiers can add moisture to the air, helping to keep your eyes hydrated.
• Wear Contact Lenses Properly: If you wear contact lenses, use lubricating eye drops before and after insertion to maintain tear film integrity.
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure outdoors, which can contribute to dryness.

Takeaway

Finding the right eye drops doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Once you understand what your eyes actually need, whether it’s extra moisture, protection from allergens, or something gentle for sensitive eyes, you’re already halfway there. And while eye drops can offer relief, don’t forget the basics: good screen habits, hydration, and regular check-ins with your eye doctor. A little care goes a long way in keeping your eyes comfortable, clear, and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Semp, D. A., Beeson, D., Sheppard, A. L., Dutta, D., & Wolffsohn, J. S. (2023). Artificial Tears: A Systematic Review. Clinical Optometry, Volume 15, 9–27. https://doi.org/10.2147/opto.s350185
• Messmer, E. M. (2015). The Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Deutsches Aerzteblatt Online, 112(5). https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2015.0071
• Basile, A. A., Mandelli, G., Cendali, M., & Hufnagel, R. (2023). The Lubricating Effect of Eye Drops Containing Hyaluronic Acid and Mallow Extract in Patients with Dry Eye Disease—A Pilot Study. Medicina, 59(5), 958. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59050958
• Uchino, M., Yokoi, N., Shimazaki, J., Hori, Y., Tsubota, K., & On Behalf Of The Japan Dry Eye Society, null. (2022). Adherence to Eye Drops Usage in Dry Eye Patients and Reasons for Non-Compliance: A Web-Based Survey. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(2), 367. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11020367