Artificial tears

Artificial tears are eye drops intended to hydrate, lubricate and protect the eye surface in cases of dryness, stinging, scratching, a sand-like feeling in the eyes, fatigue and irritation. They are most often used when the eye does not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, causing an unpleasant feeling of dryness and discomfort.

In the Artificial Tears category at ApotekaOnline, you can find products for everyday care of dry, tired and irritated eyes. This subcategory belongs to the Eye Drops category, where you can also find allergy eye drops and other eye care products.

When are artificial tears used?

Artificial tears are most commonly used for dry eye, eye fatigue, prolonged computer work, staying in air-conditioned rooms, exposure to wind, dust, smoke or dry air. They may also be useful for people who wear contact lenses, but it is always important to check whether a specific product is suitable for use with lenses.

Dry eye symptoms may occur occasionally or every day. They are often more pronounced in the evening, after prolonged screen use, reading, driving or staying in heated and air-conditioned spaces.

Most common symptoms of dry eyes

• A sand-like feeling in the eyes or scratching when blinking.
• Stinging and mild burning, especially after screen work.
• Eye fatigue during reading, driving or computer work.
• Occasional redness and a feeling of irritation.
• Increased tearing, which may paradoxically occur in dry eye as a reaction to irritation.
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses.

Recommended artificial tears and eye hydration products

Proculin Tears Advance – hydration for dry and tired eyes

Proculin Tears Advance Eye Drops are intended for people who experience dryness, stinging, fatigue and discomfort in the eyes. They can be a practical choice during screen work, staying in dry environments and everyday need for additional hydration of the eye surface.

Artificial tears can be used as needed, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially when the product is used several times a day or with contact lenses.

Systane Balance – comfort for dry and sensitive eyes

Systane Balance is an eye product intended for additional hydration and comfort in dry and sensitive eyes. It may be useful when dryness occurs due to external factors, long computer work, air-conditioned spaces or irritation caused by wind and dust.

For people with frequent dry eye discomfort, the choice of drops depends on symptom intensity, frequency of use, contact lens wear and individual eye sensitivity.

Systane Gel Drops – when more intensive hydration is needed

Systane Gel Drops are gel eye drops intended for people who need more intensive hydration and a longer-lasting feeling of comfort. The gel texture may be useful in more pronounced dryness, scratching and discomfort, especially in the evening or when standard drops do not provide long enough relief.

Because of their thicker texture, gel drops may sometimes cause temporary blurred vision immediately after application. They should therefore be used according to the instructions, with caution if driving or performing tasks that require fully clear vision immediately after use.

Artificial tears and eye allergies

Artificial tears do not treat allergies, but they may help rinse and hydrate the eye surface, which can reduce dryness, scratching and irritation. Allergy-related eye symptoms usually include itching, tearing and redness, while dry eye more often causes a sand-like feeling, stinging and fatigue.

If symptoms are related to seasonal allergies, see the allergy eye drops category. In case of strong redness, pain, discharge or blurred vision, a medical examination is required.

Read our expert blogs

• Artificial tears – when should they be used and which are the best?
• How to treat conjunctivitis as quickly as possible and what kind of condition is it?

How to use artificial tears correctly?

• Wash your hands before applying drops to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Do not touch the eye, eyelashes or skin with the bottle tip.
• Use drops according to the instructions of the manufacturer or pharmacist.
• Check whether they are suitable for contact lenses, if you wear them.
• Do not use the product longer than recommended after opening.
• If you use several types of eye drops, leave a time gap between applications according to pharmacist or doctor advice.

When is a doctor’s examination needed?

Artificial tears are intended to improve comfort in dry and irritated eyes, but they are not a solution for all eye problems. A doctor should be consulted if severe eye pain, sudden blurred vision, eye injury, purulent discharge, pronounced redness, eyelid swelling or sensitivity to light occurs.

Also, if dry eye symptoms repeat daily, worsen or do not improve despite regular use of hydrating drops, an ophthalmologist examination is recommended.

Pharmacist’s advice