Eye Drops: Which are the Best

Have you ever wondered which eyedrops are the best for your eyes? There are so many eye drops to choose from that it can be overwhelming. Here is a shortlist of some of our top drop choices.

Dry Eyedrops

While there are many different drops, and some work better for certain people, we really like Refresh and Systane for dry eyes. That is not to say that others aren’t good, but these are a really good starting point. Refresh and Systane also come in many different options. Typically, a regular artificial tear is good for during the day and can be used up to 4 times a day. If you find yourself using them more often, switch to a preservative-free tear eye drop. If your eyes are extremely dry, consider trying a thicker tear or even an ointment like refresh celluvisc or refresh PM. Contact our Dry Eye Clinic to schedule an appointment to discuss which of these dry eye drops are right for you. 

Eyedrops for Allergies

When both of your eyes are itchy and you normally get allergies, there are some really good options for OTC (over-the-counter) drops. Our top choices are Pataday and Zaditor. We get asked, “does Zaditor help dry eyes?” or “Is Pataday good for dry eyes?” and they are our top OTC choice for allergy-related itchy eyes.

Eyedrops for Red Eyes

If you wake up with red eyes from a long night and your eyes are looking a little red and tired, we strongly recommend staying away from your typical “get the red out” drops. Instead, try Lumify for whitening those eyes. Lumify is good for blood shot dry eyes.

Eyedrops safe for Contact Lens

If you wear contact lenses, there are options when your eyes feel dry or tired. Please make sure to choose a drop that is made especially for contact lenses, so you do not degrade the lens. Our top options include refresh for contacts. 

How to Use Eye Drops

The first tip, don’t touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or another surface. From there are different techniques that work well. 

You could pull gently on your lower lid to create a pocket where the drop can be added. 

You could also lay down on your back and rest the bottle on your nose. Squeeze gently and the drop should fall into your eye. 

Can you use expired eye drops?

No. Once the drops have expired, it is important to purchase new ones. The ingredients can become old and, if used, there is a possibility of contamination.

If eye drops aren’t helping, have you considered Lipiview/Lipiflow?

Call Relf EyeCare to learn more about Lipiview/Lipiflow and our Dry Eye Clinic.

Eye drops can help your vision, Vuity.

It’s true a newly released eye drop called, Vuity can help those aged 40-55 that are experiencing vision loss due to age. If you have questions regarding getting a Vuity prescription and understanding how much Vuity costs, call us to schedule an appointment. Learn more about Vuity.