The Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes: What Actually Works?

If your eyes feel dry, gritty, or tired by the end of the day, you’re not alone. Dry eye is one of the most common concerns we see in practice, and it’s on the rise due to increased screen time, air conditioning, and indoor lifestyles.

But with so many choices available, how do you know which eye drops truly help and which only mask symptoms?

Let’s break down what causes dry eye, what to look for in a good eye drop, and which options we trust and recommend (all available from our online store).

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your tears aren’t keeping the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. This may be due to:

• Evaporative dry eye – your tears evaporate too quickly because of poor oil quality
• Aqueous deficiency – your eyes don’t make enough of the watery part of the tear film
• Or a combination of both

Symptoms often include burning, stinging, redness, fluctuating vision, and even excessive tearing (yes, watery eyes can still be a sign of dry eyes!).

What to Look for in a Quality Eye Drop

The best eye drops aren’t just about providing moisture; they support your entire tear film and work in harmony with your eyes. Look for:

• Preservative-free formulas, especially for frequent use
• Ingredients that match your type of dry eye (e.g., lipid-based for evaporation)
• Appropriate thickness for daytime or overnight relief
• Longer-lasting formulas that don’t blur vision

All the products we stock are hand-selected based on safety, effectiveness, and performance in real eyes—ours and our patients’.

Our Most Recommended Dry Eye Drops (Available Online)

1. Hylo-Forte (0.2% Sodium Hyaluronate)

Best for: Mild to moderate dry eye and long-term screen users

• Delivers high hydration and fast comfort
• Preservative-free, safe for daily use
• Compatible with contact lenses
• Unique pump bottle keeps it sterile for up to 6 months after opening

Hylo-Forte is a trusted go-to for anyone needing long-lasting daily relief. It’s especially useful for people working in air-conditioned environments or those recovering from eye surgery.

2. NovaTears Omega 3 (100% Perfluorohexyloctane)

Best for: Evaporative dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction

• Stabilises the oily (lipid) layer of the tear film
• Preservative-free and water-free
• Lightweight, non-blurring, and fast absorbing
• Works well with warm compresses and lid care routines

NovaTears Omega 3 is ideal for people who’ve been told their oil glands aren’t functioning properly—or who feel their eyes dry out quickly after applying standard eye drops.

3. Optimel Manuka Honey Eye Drops or Gel

Best for: Blepharitis, inflamed lids, or dry eye with redness

• Contains pharmaceutical-grade Manuka honey
• Helps reduce inflammation and bacteria on the eyelid margins
• Drops for daytime use, gel for longer overnight relief
• May sting briefly on application (this usually settles with continued use)

Optimel Gel is excellent for patients with lid-related irritation or recurring flare-ups. It’s also a key product in managing chronic inflammatory dry eye. Optimel drops are more beneficial for treating surface irritation in the eyes.

How to Choose the Right Drop

Still unsure which one is right for you? Here’s a simple guide:

• Gritty, sore eyes during work or screen time? Start with Hylo-Forte
• Do your eyes dry out quickly or feel better after blinking? Try NovaTears
• Red, inflamed lids or recurring styes/blepharitis? Use Optimel

If you’re dealing with more than one symptom, it’s not uncommon to use a combination of products—one for comfort during the day and another to target inflammation or evaporation.

Do I Need More Than Just Drops?

In many cases, drops are just one piece of the puzzle. Long-term dry eye management often includes:

• Lid hygiene (using foam cleansers or wipes or a completer system like NuLids)
• Omega-3 supplements to improve tear quality
• Warm compresses to unblock oil glands ( Read about our heat masks)
• Lifestyle adjustments (like blink training or reducing screen time)

We stock a comprehensive range of dry eye care essentials online, allowing you to build a complete routine at home easily.

Why Buy from Us?

All products in our online store are:

• Carefully selected by eye care professionals
• Stored and shipped in optimal conditions
• Trusted in our own practice as part of real dry eye treatment plans
• Supported with personalised advice if you need it

Plus, buying from an independent optometry practice like ours helps ensure you’re getting expert-approved solutions, not just whatever happens to be on a supermarket shelf.

Ready to Feel Better?

You don’t have to put up with dry, uncomfortable eyes. With the right products and support, dry eye can be effectively managed, improving your focus, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Visit our online store to explore the dry eye drops, lid hygiene products, and supplements we trust. Not sure where to start? Contact us, we’re always happy to help you build a personalised plan.