Artificial tears - when should they be used and which are the best?

Burning, grittiness, a sensation of sand in the eyes, occasional blurred vision and eye fatigue after working at a computer are often attributed to ordinary tiredness. However, these symptoms may indicate an unstable tear film and dry eye – a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, tears evaporate too quickly or their composition does not provide adequate protection for the surface of the eye.

Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops, gels or ointments designed to moisturise, lubricate and protect the surface of the eye. They may relieve dryness and friction, but they are not all the same and there is no single formula that is best for everyone.

The choice depends on whether the main problem is a lack of the watery component of tears, excessive evaporation, Meibomian gland dysfunction, contact lens wear, prolonged screen use, sensitivity to preservatives or more severe dryness requiring a thicker formulation.

What are artificial tears and what are they used for?

Artificial tears are products that imitate some of the functions of the natural tear film. Their main purpose is not to force the eye to produce more tears permanently, but to temporarily increase moisture, reduce friction during blinking and protect the ocular surface.

Depending on the formulation, they may:

• lubricate the cornea and conjunctiva;
• reduce grittiness and the sensation of sand or a foreign body in the eye;
• relieve burning and eye fatigue;
• help stabilise the tear film;
• slow down tear evaporation;
• improve comfort during screen use;
• make contact lens wear more comfortable, if the product is labelled as compatible with lenses;
• provide more intensive protection overnight when gels or ointments are used.

Artificial tears mainly relieve symptoms. When dry eye is caused by eyelid inflammation, Meibomian gland dysfunction, an autoimmune condition, an adverse effect of medication or another medical problem, the underlying cause must also be addressed.

How do natural tears protect the eye?

Tears are not simply water. The tear film contains water, electrolytes, lipids, proteins, mucins and other components that work together to moisturise and protect the ocular surface, reduce friction from the eyelids and create a smooth optical surface required for clear vision.

In a simplified model, the following components can be distinguished:

• the aqueous-mucin component, which moisturises and evenly covers the surface of the eye;
• the outer lipid component, produced mainly by the Meibomian glands, which slows tear evaporation.

These components do not act as completely separate layers, but as a connected functional system. Dry eye may therefore develop because of reduced tear production, excessive tear evaporation or a combination of both mechanisms.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Dry eye does not always feel like literal dryness. Symptoms may include:

• a sensation of sand, dust or a foreign body in the eye;
• burning, stinging or mild itching;
• scratching or discomfort during blinking;
• tired or heavy eyes;
• occasional redness;
• sensitivity to wind, smoke, air conditioning or dry air;
• discomfort while wearing contact lenses;
• blurred vision that temporarily improves after blinking;
• excessive watering.

Excessive watering does not rule out dry eye. An irritated ocular surface may trigger the production of a large amount of watery reflex tears, but these may drain away quickly and may not protect the eye for long enough.

What causes dry eye?

Dry eye is a multifactorial condition. More than one cause is often present in the same person.

Do not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice if you suspect that a medicine is causing dryness. A doctor can assess whether the treatment should be changed or whether additional eye protection is needed.

Do screens and blue light cause dry eye?

Prolonged use of computers, phones and tablets may aggravate dryness, but the main problem is not simply that “blue light dries out the eyes”.

When concentrating on a screen:

• we blink less frequently;
• blinks are more likely to be incomplete;
• the eyes remain open for longer between blinks;
• we spend prolonged periods focusing at a close distance;
• we often work in air-conditioned or heated rooms.

These changes cause the tear film to break up and evaporate more quickly. Artificial tears may improve comfort, but they do not remove the need for breaks and deliberate, complete blinking.

What types of artificial tears are available?

Artificial tears differ in their composition, thickness, lipid content, packaging and whether they contain preservatives. The brand name alone is not enough – the intended purpose of the specific formulation should be checked.

How should you choose the best artificial tears?

The phrase “best artificial tears” is only meaningful when the symptoms and frequency of use are known. A product suitable for occasional screen-related eye fatigue may not be appropriate for pronounced evaporative dry eye or night-time symptoms.

Preservative-free artificial tears – when are they a better choice?

Preservatives are used in multidose bottles to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. However, with frequent and prolonged use, some preservatives may further irritate a sensitive ocular surface.

Preservative-free formulations should be particularly considered when:

• you use drops several times during the day;
• you have more pronounced or chronic dry eye;
• your eyes are sensitive or you have previously reacted to eye drops;
• you use several different ophthalmic products;
• you wear contact lenses, provided that the product is labelled as compatible;
• you have undergone eye surgery and frequent lubrication has been recommended.

A preservative-free product may be packaged in single-dose ampoules or a special multidose bottle designed to prevent contamination. The absence of preservatives does not mean that the product can be used indefinitely after opening. The permitted period of use and storage instructions must be checked on the specific package.

Artificial tears and contact lenses

Contact lenses may increase dryness, particularly during screen use, in air-conditioned rooms and towards the end of the day. However, not all eye drops are suitable for use over contact lenses.

Practical rules:

• use only drops that clearly state they are suitable for use with contact lenses;
• do not assume that every preservative-free formula is automatically suitable for use over lenses;
• if a product is not labelled for lens use, remove the lenses and follow the recommended interval before reinserting them;
• contact lens cleaning and storage solutions are not artificial tears and must not be instilled into the eye;
• do not use saliva, tap water or homemade solutions to wet contact lenses;
• if pain, severe sensitivity to light, sudden redness or blurred vision occurs, remove the lenses and contact an ophthalmologist.

For products designed for direct use with lenses, see Blink Contacts eye drops and other suitable products in the eye drops category.

How should artificial tears be applied correctly?

1. Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly.
2. Check the product name, expiry date and appearance of the solution.
3. Tilt your head back or lie down.
4. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket between the eyelid and the eye.
5. Hold the bottle above the eye, but do not allow the tip to touch the eye, eyelashes, eyelid or skin.
6. Instil the number of drops stated in the instructions. The conjunctival pocket usually holds approximately one drop, so additional drops will often simply run out.
7. Close the eye gently without squeezing and allow the solution to spread.
8. Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue without rubbing the eye.
9. Close the bottle immediately.

If you use several different eye drops, follow the recommended interval in the instructions or the advice of your ophthalmologist. Thicker gels and ointments are usually applied after thinner drops.

How often can artificial tears be used?

The frequency depends on the specific product and the severity of the symptoms. Some formulations are used occasionally, while preservative-free products may be applied more frequently when this is consistent with their instructions.

Pay particular attention if:

• you need drops every hour to function normally;
• relief lasts only a few minutes;
• dryness is gradually becoming worse;
• you wake with pain or severe grittiness;
• symptoms continue for weeks despite correct use;
• you frequently switch products without clear improvement.

In these situations, simply buying “stronger” drops is not a rational solution. It is necessary to determine whether there is evaporative dry eye, blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, allergy, corneal damage or another condition requiring additional treatment.

Artificial tears, gel or ointment – what should be used in the evening?

Light drops spread quickly and are practical during the day. Gels and ointments remain on the ocular surface for longer, but their thickness may temporarily blur vision.

A thicker formulation may be considered:

• when standard drops provide relief for only a very short time;
• when grittiness is more pronounced;
• when symptoms are most severe in the evening;
• for night-time or morning dryness;
• following certain eye procedures, as recommended by an ophthalmologist.

Do not use a gel or ointment immediately before driving or performing tasks requiring completely clear vision unless you already know how the product affects you.

Dry eye or allergy – how can you tell the difference?

The symptoms may overlap, but there are some typical differences.

Artificial tears may help rinse away allergens and relieve accompanying dryness, but they do not replace targeted anti-allergy eye drops when these are required.

Which mistakes should be avoided?

• Do not allow the bottle tip to touch the eye, eyelashes, skin or any other surface.
• Do not share eye drops with another person.
• Do not use the product after its expiry date or longer than permitted after opening.
• Do not instil the solution if it has changed colour, become cloudy or the packaging is damaged.
• Do not use “redness-relief” or “whitening” drops as a substitute for artificial tears without professional advice.
• Do not use drops over contact lenses unless the label confirms that this is permitted.
• Do not use saline nasal solution or contact lens solution as artificial tears.
• Do not attempt to prepare sterile eye drops at home.
• Do not ignore pain, discharge, photophobia or a sudden deterioration in vision.

Can artificial tears be made at home?

No. Preparing artificial tears at home is not safe.

Ophthalmic products must have appropriate sterility, pH, osmolality and ingredient concentrations. Water, salt, herbal teas and other homemade preparations may contain microorganisms, particles or unsuitable concentrations that may further irritate or damage the ocular surface.

Particularly risky examples include:

• tap water;
• solutions prepared from table salt;
• chamomile tea and other herbal preparations applied directly to the eye;
• saliva;
• opened ampoules or solutions stored for later use contrary to the instructions.

Only use a sterile product specifically intended for ophthalmic use in the eye.

When are artificial tears not enough?

Artificial tears are not a treatment for every red, painful or irritated eye. An examination is required when the symptoms do not resemble ordinary dryness or do not improve despite correct care.

If your eyes remain dry every day for several weeks, assessment by an optometrist, doctor or ophthalmologist is recommended even if there are no emergency symptoms.

Artificial tears available from ApotekaOnline

The range includes light hydrating drops, preservative-free formulations, lipid drops, gels and products intended for contact lens wearers. The examples in the table are not universal recommendations – the choice should be adapted to the symptoms and the product label.

View the complete range in the Artificial Tears and Eye Drops categories.

The listed products are examples of different formulations and are not a universal recommendation for every user. Before use, check the full composition, warnings, directions, permitted period after opening and compatibility with contact lenses.

Related blog topic

Dryness, redness and grittiness may resemble an infection or allergic inflammation. Read the guide How conjunctivitis is treated and what you should know about it to help recognise symptoms that require a different approach.

Frequently asked questions about artificial tears

Which artificial tears are best?
There is no single best formula for everyone. The choice depends on the type of dry eye, severity of symptoms, frequency of use, contact lens wear and sensitivity to preservatives.

Can artificial tears be used every day?
Many products are intended for daily use, but they must be used according to their instructions. If drops are needed very frequently, preservative-free formulations are usually preferred and the cause of the symptoms should be assessed.

How many times a day may they be used?
The frequency depends on the specific product. Do not apply one general rule to all drops; read the label and follow the advice of a pharmacist or ophthalmologist.

Does more hyaluronic acid mean better eye drops?
Not automatically. A higher concentration often means a thicker formulation, which may last longer but also blur vision more. The type of dry eye, full composition and tolerability are more important.

Are preservative-free artificial tears better?
They are often a better choice for frequent and long-term use, sensitive eyes and people using several ophthalmic products. This does not mean that every preservative-free product is automatically best for every type of dry eye.

Can artificial tears be instilled over contact lenses?
Only if the specific product clearly states that it is suitable for use with contact lenses. Otherwise, remove the lenses and follow the product instructions.

Can artificial tears replace contact lens solution?
No. Artificial tears moisturise the eye, while contact lens solution is intended for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and storing lenses. These products are not interchangeable.

Why does my vision become blurred after applying the drops?
Thicker drops, gels and ointments may temporarily blur vision while spreading over the ocular surface. If the blurring does not resolve or becomes worse, an examination is required.

Do artificial tears treat dry eye?
They usually relieve symptoms and supplement the tear film. Depending on the cause, eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, treatment changes or other therapies recommended by an ophthalmologist may also be required.

Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
A dry and irritated ocular surface may trigger reflex watering. These tears may be watery, drain away quickly and fail to provide lasting protection.

Is it normal for eye drops to sting?
Brief, mild discomfort may occur with some products. Severe or persistent stinging, marked redness or worsening symptoms are reasons to stop use and seek professional advice.

How long may an opened bottle be used?
The permitted period depends on the packaging and bottle system. There is no single rule for every product. Record the opening date and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I make artificial tears myself?
No. Homemade solutions are not sterile and do not have controlled concentration or pH. They may cause irritation, injury or infection.

Do artificial tears help with conjunctivitis?
They may temporarily relieve burning and rinse away irritants, but they do not treat a bacterial infection or replace targeted therapy. Discharge, pain and marked redness require assessment of the cause.

When should I see an ophthalmologist?
In cases of pain, photophobia, sudden blurred or reduced vision, discharge, eye injury, pronounced redness or daily dryness that persists despite correct use of eye drops.

Conclusion

Artificial tears are a basic and often very useful form of support for dry, tired and irritated eyes. However, the correct choice should not be based only on the brand, price or concentration of one ingredient.

Light drops may be practical for occasional dryness and screen use, lipid formulations for excessive tear evaporation, and gels or ointments for more severe or night-time symptoms. When drops are used frequently, preservative-free products are often preferred, while contact lens wearers must choose only drops clearly labelled as compatible with lenses.

If symptoms repeatedly return, require hourly instillation or are accompanied by pain, discharge, photophobia or changes in vision, the problem is not simply finding “better artificial tears”. The cause must be identified to prevent damage to the ocular surface.