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.

Hylo-Fresh lubricating eye drops for contact lens wearers

Eye Drops for Contact Lens Wearers in NZ: Which Can Go In Over Your Lenses

Dry, tired lenses by mid-afternoon is the most common complaint we hear from contact lens wearers. A drop can help, but only the right kind. Some drops are made to go in over a lens. Others need the lens out first, and a few should stay well away from lens wear altogether.

The rule that sorts most of it out

If a drop is going in over a contact lens, it should be preservative-free. A soft lens soaks up whatever is in the drop and holds it against your cornea, so a preservative that would be diluted in seconds on a bare eye sits there for hours. That is why we steer lens wearers to the preservative-free range.

Drops that can be used with your lenses in

Hylo-Fresh and Hylo-Forte — preservative-free sodium hyaluronate, safe with soft and rigid lenses in. Fresh is the lighter one; Forte has twice the hyaluronate for drier eyes.
Hylo-Dual — hyaluronate with ectoine, for lens wearers whose eyes are itchy as well as dry. It is not an antihistamine.
Systane Hydration UD — preservative-free single-use vials, contact lens compatible, and easy to carry.
TheraTears — preservative-free single-use vials that can go in over the lens.
Lacrifresh Ocu-Dry 0.30% — a preservative-free hyaluronic acid drop that is safe with lenses in.
Lacrifresh Cleaning — a cleaning and rewetting drop used with the lenses in, for soft and rigid lenses, when debris or dryness builds up through the day.

Drops where the lenses come out first

Optimel Manuka Eye Drops — once a day only, ideally at night. Lenses out first, and left out afterwards. It stings briefly.
Viscotears Liquid Gel and Viscotears Gel PF — lenses out, and wait at least 30 minutes before putting them back in.
Poly Visc and Vita-POS — night ointments. Lenses out, bedtime only.
Polytears — a preserved multi-dose bottle, so we would take lenses out first.
Systane Balance — lenses out first unless we have advised otherwise.

If you are unsure about a drop that is not on either list, check the pack or ask us before using it with lenses in.

When a drop is not the answer

A rewetting drop treats the symptom. If you need one several times a day, something else is going on, and it is usually one of three things: the lens material or fit, the solution you are cleaning with, or dry eye underneath the lens. Your solution is prescribed to match your lens and your eye, and a mismatch is a common cause of late-day dryness.

Dry eye and blepharitis also show up first as lens discomfort. Those need measuring, not guessing. Book a Dry Eye Evaluation with us in Hamilton. It's a paid appointment, and the fee is confirmed when you book.

Lenses that used to be comfortable and no longer are

That is a reason to be seen rather than to buy a stronger drop. Bring your lenses, case and solution.

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

Rose Optometry has fitted contact lenses from our Hamilton practice since 1969. Everything above is in stock and dispatched by us, with free NZ shipping over $100. Browse all dry eye drops.

This is general information. Always follow the advice your own optometrist has given you, and read the current label.

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