Dry eyes affect millions of people around the world. Whether caused by environmental, medical, or natural aging processes, dry eyes can be a real nuisance. One of the most common solutions is artificial tear drops, which are designed to lubricate the eyes and relieve dryness, irritation, and burning. But with so many artificial tears out there, finding the right formula for long-term relief can be challenging.
In this post, we’ll discuss the different types of artificial tears, their benefits, and which one may work best for you. We’ll also answer some common questions about burning eyes, what tears mean in different eyes, and how to use eye drops to keep your eyes healthy.
Understanding Artificial Tears
Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops, gels, or ointments designed to relieve dryness and irritation of the ocular surface. These products are formulated to supplement your naturally-produced tears, enhancing eye lubrication by mimicking the characteristics of the tear film. Whether you’re dealing with dry eye syndrome—a common ocular surface disorder characterized by disruption of the tear film and increased inflammation—or occasional dryness, artificial tears can provide much-needed relief. By using artificial tears, you can help maintain the moisture balance in your eyes, reducing discomfort and promoting overall eye health.
What are Tears For
Before we get into comparing artificial tear formulas, let’s first understand what your natural tears do for your eye health. Your eyes produce tears for three reasons:
- Lubrication: Tears keep the surface of your eyes moist and protected from irritants.
- Protection: Tears contain enzymes that fight off infections and flush out foreign particles.
- Emotional Response: Tears are also produced as part of an emotional response, whether it’s crying from sadness, joy or frustration.
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops are called artificial tears.
Your tear film is made up of three layers: oil, water and mucus. If one of these layers is missing, it can cause tear evaporation and your eyes to feel dry, irritated or gritty. That’s where artificial tears come in, to supplement your natural tear production and add moisture.
Different Types of Artificial Tears Eye Drops
Now, let’s examine the different types of artificial tears available and how they address dry eye symptoms, including the importance of selecting the right drops.
Lubricating Eye Drops Lubricating eye drops are the go-to option for people with mild to moderate dry eyes. These drops replenish moisture and relieve symptoms like itching, burning and irritation. Most lubricating drops, like Eyecart’s Lubricating Eye Drops, are over-the-counter and safe for daily use. They’re great for dry eye syndrome caused by environmental factors like wind, smoke or screen time.
Lubricating eye drops are also recommended for people who experience occasional eye allergies, which can cause redness, itchiness, and general discomfort. For people with chronic allergies, eye drops can provide relief, especially when allergens like pet dander or pollen are the culprits.
If you wear contact lenses, you may benefit from rewetting drops that are specifically designed to keep your lenses moist and comfortable throughout the day. Rewetting eye drops like those offered on Eyecart can alleviate discomfort associated with dry contacts and reduce the gritty feeling that comes with contact lens wear.
Preservative-Free Eye Drops If you need to use artificial tears multiple times a day, preservative-free eye drops may be the better option. Preservatives in some artificial tear formulas can cause irritation with frequent use, especially if you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses. Preservative-free eye drops come in single-use vials, which reduces the risk of contamination and provides a more sterile solution for people who need frequent lubrication.
Preservative-free eye drops can provide relief without exacerbating irritation for people with dry eye disease or severe dry eye syndrome. They’re also safer for people who wear contact lenses, as the lack of preservatives ensures the drops won’t interact with the lenses in a way that worsens symptoms.
You can check out the range of preservative-free eye drops on Eyecart, which cater to different eye care needs. Whether you need a product for occasional dryness or more frequent use, preservative-free drops are a gentle option for long-term relief.
Prescription Eye Drops In some cases, over-the-counter eye drops may not be enough to provide long-term relief for severe dry eye symptoms. That’s where prescription eye drops come in. These drops have ingredients that help reduce inflammation and increase tear production. A common medication found in prescription drops is cyclosporine which works by addressing inflammation that interferes with natural tear production. If over-the-counter options aren’t giving you the relief you need, it’s worth consulting an eye care specialist to discuss prescription options.
Prescription eye drops are great for people with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eyes where the glands responsible for secreting oil into the tear film become blocked or dysfunctional. By improving oil secretion, prescription eye drops can help restore the balance of your tear film and alleviate symptoms like burning, redness and irritation.
Eye Ointments and Gels For people who experience dry eyes at night, eye ointments and gels provide long-lasting moisture that can give relief while you sleep. These thicker formulas coat the surface of the eye, creating a protective barrier that prevents your tears from evaporating overnight. While eye ointments can cause temporary blurry vision, they’re great for people who wake up with dry, gritty eyes.
Ointments are also suitable for people with severe dry eye disease as they provide extended protection for the tear film and relief that lasts longer than standard eye drops. You can find eye ointments and eye gels on Eyecart which are perfect for night time use.
Key Ingredients and Formulas
Artificial tears can contain a variety of ingredients, each designed to address different aspects of dry eye. Common ingredients include carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and hyaluronic acid. These polymers work to retain moisture on the eye’s surface, providing long-lasting relief. Some artificial tears also contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, purite, chlorobutanol, sodium perborate, thiomersal, disodium edetate, and oxychloro complex to prevent bacterial growth. However, for those with sensitive eyes or who require frequent application, preservative-free artificial tears are available. These come in single-use vials, ensuring a sterile solution every time.
Choosing the Right Formula
Selecting the right artificial tear formula is crucial for effectively managing your dry eye symptoms. If you experience mild dry eye symptoms, a lubricating eye drop with a preservative may suffice. However, for more severe symptoms or if you have a sensitivity to preservatives, a preservative-free formula might be a better option. Additionally, consider the type of contact lenses you wear, as some artificial tears may not be compatible with certain lens materials. Consulting with your eye care professional can help you determine the best artificial tear formula for your specific needs, ensuring you get the most effective relief.
Why Do My Eyes Burn When I Cry?
People ask, “Why do my eyes burn when I cry?” Well, there are a few reasons, but one common one is an imbalance in your tear film. If your tear film is lacking in oil or mucus, your tears evaporate too fast, and you get a burning sensation when you cry. Artificial tears can help by replacing the missing parts of your tear film, preventing tear evaporation, and giving you relief.
Other causes of burning tears are eye irritants, debris, and environmental factors. Eye drops that reduce redness and irritation, like those found on Eyecart, can help by flushing out the irritants and soothing the surface of the eye. In some cases, burning eyes can be a sign of a more serious condition, so if the problem persists, it’s best to see an eye care professional.
How to Use Artificial Tears Properly
Using artificial tears correctly can make a big difference in the relief you get. Here’s how:
- Wash Your Hands: Before applying eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid contamination.
- Don’t Touch the Bottle Tip: To avoid contamination, Make sure the bottle tip doesn’t touch your eyes or any surface.
- Tilt Your Head Back: Gently tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket for the drops.
- Wait a Few Minutes: If you’re using multiple types of eye drops or ointments, wait a few minutes between each application to allow the first drops to be absorbed.
- Use the Right Amount: Don’t overuse artificial tears as this can wash away your natural tears and leave your eyes even drier.
- Check the Expiration Date: Make sure your eye drops are not expired, using old drops can cause irritation or infection.
- If you are wearing contact lenses, it is important to select preservative-free artificial tears to ensure comfort and safety.
Using Artificial Tears with Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, using artificial tears can help keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated. However, it’s essential to choose a formula that is compatible with your lens material. Some artificial tears contain ingredients that can damage certain types of contact lenses, so always read the label carefully. When in doubt, consult your eye doctor for recommendations. Additionally, follow proper hygiene and application techniques to avoid contamination and eye irritation. This includes washing your hands before applying drops and ensuring the bottle tip does not touch any surfaces or your eyes.
Self-Care and Maintenance
In addition to using artificial tears, several self-care and maintenance techniques can help alleviate dry eye symptoms. Regularly washing your eyelids to remove dirt and debris, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and avoiding smoke and wind can all help keep your eyes comfortable. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from wind and dry air while taking breaks to close your eyes and blink when working on a computer or reading can prevent strain. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can exacerbate irritation and make symptoms worse. By incorporating these self-care practices along with the use of artificial tears, you can effectively manage dry eye symptoms and maintain clear, comfortable vision.
Other Dry Eye Treatments
While artificial tears work for many, there are other dry eye treatments that can give more long-term results. Here are a few:
-
Flaxseed Oil and Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to increase tear film production and reduce inflammation in people with dry eyes. These supplements can improve the quality of natural tears and give extra moisture to those with chronic dry eyes. -
Warm Compresses
For Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, applying a warm compress to the eyelids can unblock the glands and increase oil secretion. This can relieve dry eye symptoms by rebalancing the tear film and preventing tears from evaporating. -
Lid Scrubs
If you have blepharitis, a condition that causes eyelid inflammation, use a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo to clean the eyelids can reduce irritation and improve eye lubrication. -
Prescription Medications
In severe dry eye disease, your doctor may prescribe medications like cyclosporine or lifitegrast to reduce inflammation and increase tear production. These medications can help those who haven’t responded to over-the-counter treatments.
When to See a Professional
If over-the-counter artificial tears aren’t giving you the relief you need or if your symptoms get worse over time, see an eye care professional. Chronic dry eye can lead to serious complications if left untreated, eye infections, corneal damage and decreased quality of life.
An eye care professional can diagnose the underlying cause of dry eye symptoms and recommend more targeted treatments, such as prescription eye drops or punctual plugs that can retain moisture in the eyes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right artificial tear formula is key to managing dry eye symptoms and having comfortable eyes. Whether you need simple lubricating eye drops for mild dryness or prescription eye drops for severe dry eye disease, there’s one for you. Check out Eyecart’s artificial tears, preservative-free and rewetting drops to find what you need.
For more info and expert advice on eye care products, visit Eyecart’s Artificial Tears today.