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.
| Sr. No. | Brand | Product Name | Description | Key Ingredients | Product Link |
| 1 | Refresh | Refresh Tears Eye Drops | Provides temporary relief from burning and discomfort due to dryness | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium | Refresh Tears Eye Drops |
| 2 | Everfresh | Everfresh Tears Eye Drops | Offers lubrication and moisture, relieving dryness and irritation | Carboxymethylcellulose, Oxycholoro Complex | Everfresh Tears Eye Drops |
| 3 | Refresh | Refresh Liquigel Eye Drops | Ideal for moderate to severe dry eyes, providing extended relief | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium | Refresh Liquigel Eye Drops |
| 4 | Polyemoise | Polyemoise Eye Drops | Reduces symptoms of dry eyes by providing a soothing, hydrating effect; also beneficial for lubricating and rewetting soft and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses | Polyehylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol | Polyemoise Eye Drops |
| 5 | Normo Tears | Normo Tears Eye Drops | Mild eye lubricant that alleviates dryness and provides relief from irritation, burning, and discomfort | Polyehylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol | Normo Tears Eye Drops |
| 6 | Eyemist | Eyemist Eye Drops | Provides hydration to dry eyes, reducing strain and discomfort; also used to moisturise hard contact lenses and artificial eyes | Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | Eyemist Eye Drops |
| 7 | Eyemist Forte | Eyemist Forte Eye Drops | Suitable for severe dryness, offering extended lubrication; surgical aid during various eye surgeries such as cataract extraction and lens implantation | Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Perborate | Eyemist Forte Eye Drops |
| 8 | Eyelet | Eyelet DS Eye Drops | Assists in managing eye conditions; ideal for sensitive eyes | Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose | Eyelet DS Eye Drops |
| 9 | Optive | Optive Eye Drops | Provides dual action for lubrication and protection from further dryness; maintains the water balance in the eye | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium | Optive Eye Drops |
| 10 | Moistane | Moistane Eye Drops | Moisturising and protective eye drops for everyday use; relief from dry eye symptoms such as irritation, burning, and stinging | Polyethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Perborate | Moistane Eye Drops |
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.
| Quick Tips: Managing dry eyes at home can involve several effective remedies. Applying warm compresses can stimulate tear production and soothe irritation by increasing circulation to the eye area. Maintaining hydration is crucial, so drink plenty of water to support the quality of your tears. Cleaning your eyelids with a gentle cleanser can also help, as it opens clogged oil glands, enhancing moisture retention. |
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)
Yes, eye drops, particularly artificial tears, can significantly improve dry eyes by adding moisture and mimicking the natural components of tears, providing relief from dryness.
To hydrate your eyes without eye drops, use a humidifier to maintain a moist environment, drink plenty of water, limit screen time, and avoid exposure to wind and smoke.
Yes, side effects can include blurry vision, allergic reactions such as itchiness or swelling, and irritation from preservatives. If you are experiencing any side effects, stop using the drops and consult a doctor.
Yes, chronic dry eyes can be associated with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid imbalance. If your symptoms are persistent despite using drops, consult an eye specialist.
Absolutely. Not all eye drops are compatible with contact lenses. Choose rewetting drops labelled explicitly for use with lenses to avoid clouding or irritation.
Most preservative-free drops are safe for long-term use. However, if you’re relying on drops more than 4–6 times a day, it’s worth checking with an eye doctor to rule out chronic or inflammatory causes.
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