What are the best eye drops for dry eyes?

There is no single “best” eye drop for dry eye, as treatment depends on the underlying cause. According to the TFOS DEWS III framework, dry eye is a multifactorial disease involving tear film instability, inflammation, and ocular surface damage. For many patients, preservative-free lubricating eye drops are recommended as first-line therapy, particularly for frequent or long-term use. An optometrist can help select drops based on tear quality, evaporation rate, and ocular surface findings.

How often should I use eye drops for dry eyes?

The frequency of eye drop use depends on symptom severity and the type of drop used. Preservative-free drops may be used multiple times per day, whereas preserved drops should be used less frequently to avoid ocular surface irritation. If drops are needed more than 4–6 times daily, clinical guidance generally recommends preservative-free formulations and a dry eye assessment.

Can you use eye drops too often?

Yes. Overuse of preserved eye drops can worsen dry eye symptoms by disrupting the tear film and irritating the ocular surface. DEWS III emphasises minimising preservative exposure and addressing underlying causes—such as meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation—rather than relying solely on frequent lubrication.

What is the difference between Polytears, Systane, and Hylo eye drops?

Polytears, Systane, and Hylo are lubricating eye drops, but they differ in formulation, viscosity, and preservative status. Some are better suited for mild, intermittent dryness, while others are designed for more persistent symptoms or contact lens wear. Brand name alone does not determine suitability; clinical evaluation does.

Are preservative-free eye drops better for dry eyes?

For many patients, yes. Preservative-free eye drops are commonly recommended for moderate to severe dry eye, frequent use, contact lens wear, and sensitive eyes. DEWS III highlights that long-term preservative exposure can contribute to ocular surface irritation in some people.

Can contact lens wear make dry eye worse?

Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by disrupting tear film stability and increasing evaporation. However, with appropriate lens materials, care systems, and compatible eye drops, many contact lens wearers can remain comfortable. Drops labelled as safe for use with contact lenses are typically preferred during lens wear.

How do I know which eye drops are right for me?

Dry eye is not a single condition. Effective management requires identifying whether symptoms are driven by evaporation, aqueous deficiency, inflammation, or eyelid disease. A dry eye assessment—including tear stability, ocular surface staining, and meibomian gland evaluation—helps guide targeted treatment rather than trial-and-error.

Are thicker eye drops better than watery ones?

Not always. Thicker drops may provide longer relief but can blur vision and may not be ideal for daytime use. Thinner drops may be better tolerated but may require more frequent application. DEWS III supports matching drop viscosity to symptom pattern and lifestyle needs.

Can dry eye be treated without eye drops?

Yes. While lubricating drops are commonly used, DEWS III emphasises a stepwise approach that may include eyelid hygiene, heat therapy, management of meibomian gland dysfunction, environmental modification, and lifestyle changes such as reducing prolonged screen use. Eye drops often remain part of treatment when symptoms affect comfort or visual quality.

When should I see an optometrist for dry eyes?

Seek professional assessment if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting activities such as reading, screen use, or driving. Ongoing reliance on eye drops without improvement suggests an underlying issue that may require targeted treatment.

Avizor Ever Clean Plus peroxide lens solution

Ever Clean Plus: The Peroxide System for Soft, RGP and Ortho-K Lenses (NZ Guide)

Ever Clean Plus is a hydrogen peroxide cleaning and disinfecting system made by Avizor. Most people know it as a rigid lens product. It is also used for soft lenses, and it is one of the systems our optometrists prescribe when a preserved multi-purpose solution is not suiting an eye.

Why we prescribe a peroxide system

A contact lens solution is prescribed, not picked. It is matched to the material of your lens and to the biology of your eye. Peroxide earns its place for two reasons. It gives a deep clean, lifting protein and lipid from the lens. And once it has neutralised it leaves no preservative on the lens, which matters for eyes that sting or redden with multi-purpose solutions. More on how we match solutions to lenses: why your optometrist prescribes your contact lens solution.

Who it suits

RGP, hard and hybrid lens wearers
Ortho-K wearers
Soft lens wearers, where we have prescribed it
Wearers who build up protein or lipid deposits quickly

How to use it

Place your lenses in the case supplied with Ever Clean Plus. Do not use any other case.
Add the solution and one neutralising tablet.
Leave the lenses in the case for the full 2 hours before wearing them.

Never rinse a lens with Ever Clean Plus and never put it straight in the eye. Peroxide that has not neutralised burns. If you need to rinse, use saline: our first choice is preservative-free Eyeye Saline.

What goes with it for rigid and scleral lenses

For RGP and scleral lenses our optometrists pair Ever Clean Plus with saline, a daily cleaner (Oté Clean or Boston Advance Cleaner) and Progent for intensive protein removal once or twice a month. The alternative regimen is MeniCare Plus with the same cleaner and Progent.

Ever Clean Plus or AOSept Plus?

Both are peroxide systems. Ever Clean Plus neutralises with a tablet; AOSept Plus with HydraGlyde uses a disc in the case and needs at least 6 hours. Which one you use is part of your prescription. We compare the AOSept versions in AOSept Plus vs AOSept Plus with HydraGlyde.

Buy Ever Clean Plus in NZ

Ever Clean Plus 90-day supply and the multi-buy of three 225 ml bottles are in stock and ship NZ-wide from Hamilton. See all hydrogen peroxide contact lens solutions.

Not sure peroxide is right for your lenses?

Ask before you switch. Bring your lenses, case and current solution, and we will check the lens surface and your eyes.

→ Book a contact lens check-up or call 07 847 3195.

If your lenses feel dry whatever you clean them with, the cause may be dry eye rather than the solution. Book a Dry Eye Evaluation. It's a paid appointment, and the fee is confirmed when you book.

Rose Optometry has fitted and looked after soft, RGP, ortho-K and scleral lenses from our Hamilton practice since 1969.

This is general information. Always follow the care regime your own optometrist prescribed, and the instructions in the pack.

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