Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops that supplement natural tears. They're used for dry eye syndrome and to protect the eye surface in many neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Common Uses

• Dry eye syndrome
• Thyroid eye disease—exposure
• After Botox injections
• Blepharospasm
• Bell's palsy—poor lid closure
• Post-surgical care

Types of Artificial Tears

By Viscosity

• Thin/watery—less blur, shorter lasting
• Medium—good balance
• Thick/gel—longer lasting, more blur

By Preservative Status

• Preserved—OK for occasional use
• Preservative-free—better for frequent use (>4x/day)

Specialized Formulations

• Lipid-containing—for evaporative dry eye
• Hyaluronic acid—enhanced lubrication
• Osmoprotectants—protect cells

How to Use

• Wash hands before use
• One drop per eye
• Close eyes gently after instillation
• Wait 5 minutes between different eye drops
• Use as often as needed (preservative-free)

When to Use Preservative-Free

• Using more than 4 times daily
• Sensitive eyes
• Contact lens wear
• After eye surgery
• Chronic use

Tips for Best Effect

• Use regularly, not just when symptomatic
• Room humidifier may help
• Avoid air blowing directly on eyes
• Warm compresses for meibomian gland dysfunction
• Consider omega-3 supplements

Popular Artificial Tear Brands

Preservative-Free

• Refresh Optive Mega-3 — Lipid-enhanced drop for evaporative dry eye; contains flaxseed and castor oil
• Systane Ultra Preservative-Free — Polyethylene glycol-based; one of the most widely used preservative-free drops
• Refresh Plus — Carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%; classic thin, watery drop for mild dry eye
• TheraTears — Hypotonic formula with electrolyte balance to mimic natural tears
• Oasis Tears Plus — Glycerin-based with hyaluronic acid for extended comfort
• Retaine MGD — Lipid-based emulsion designed specifically for meibomian gland dysfunction

Preserved (for occasional use)

• Systane Complete — Nano-droplet technology; covers all three layers of the tear film
• Refresh Tears — Carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%; affordable everyday drop
• GenTeal Tears — Hypromellose-based; available in mild, moderate, and severe formulations
• Blink Tears — OcuPure preservative that breaks down on contact; gentler than traditional preservatives

Gels and Ointments (for nighttime or severe dry eye)

• Refresh PM — Mineral oil ointment for overnight lubrication
• Systane Nighttime — Ointment for extended overnight protection
• GenTeal Tears Severe Gel — Thicker gel formula for severe dry eye

Prescription Tear Stimulants

When artificial tears alone are not enough, prescription medications can help your eyes produce more of their own natural tears:

• Cequa (cyclosporine 0.09%) — Stimulates tear production by reducing T-cell activation and inflammation
• Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%) — Boosts tear production by decreasing inflammation associated with dry eye disease
• Tyrvaya (varenicline nasal spray) — Stimulates the trigeminal nerve to increase tear production
• Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%) — Reduces inflammation and promotes natural tear production
• Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane) — Stabilizes the lipid layer of the tear film to reduce evaporation

For detailed guidance on choosing the right drops by dryness type, see how to choose eye drops for dry eyes.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

• Artificial tears used more than 4 times daily without relief
• Persistent redness, pain, or vision changes
• Symptoms worsening despite treatment
• Need for evaluation of meibomian gland dysfunction
• Consideration of punctal plugs, warm compresses, or prescription therapy