Polytears, Systane & Hylo Alternatives – Dry Eye Drops in NZ
After you have read the below guide: Why not explore our full range of eye drops for dry eye relief and contact lens solutions, selected by optometrists to support eye comfort and long-term eye health.
Many people searching for Polytears, Systane, or Hylo eye drops are looking for effective relief from dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes. While these are commonly used lubricating eye drops, they are not the only options available.
At Rose Optometry, we offer a carefully selected range of preservative-free and specialist eye drops that may be suitable alternatives, depending on the cause and severity of dry eye symptoms. This guide explains how different types of eye drops compare and how to choose the most appropriate option.
At Rose Optometry we use specialised testing called osmolarity testing using a device called the Tearlab it may also be known as the Scout Pro Osmolarity System, this helps us to uniquely identify the best drop to help your tear film maintain good balance and nourishment and therefore treat a dry or paradoxically a watery eye. We also have the latest technology in terms of equipment that images different aspects of the eye to help create a plan to treat and manage a deficient or undernourished tear film. Remember the first surface that light hits before it enters the eye is your tears. We have a Tearcheck and a suite of Medmont Meridia's as well as access to Oculus Equipment for Dry Eye assessment.
Understanding Common Dry Eye Drops
Dry eye drops are designed to relieve symptoms such as dryness, burning, grittiness, and irritation by improving tear film stability and ocular surface hydration. Popular brands like Polytears, Systane, and Hylo are often used for mild to moderate dry eye, particularly for people who require frequent lubrication throughout the day.
Polytears – What It’s Commonly Used For
Polytears is a lubricating eye drop commonly used to relieve mild dry eye symptoms. It is often chosen for short-term comfort and occasional dryness. It does not actually treat a dry eye, rather it provides symptomatic relief.
Some patients, particularly those with more persistent symptoms or sensitivity to preservatives, may require alternative formulations that better support long-term ocular surface health. This is also available on a prescription from your Optometrist or GP.
Systane Eye Drops – When They May Be Suitable
Systane eye drops are widely used for moderate dry eye and are available in several formulations. Some versions are designed to improve tear film stability and provide longer-lasting lubrication. Broadly the most common forms of Systane are: Systane Complete, Systane Balance, Systane Ultra, Systane Ultra Presearvative Free and Systane Hydration.
However, not all Systane products are preservative-free, and suitability may vary for contact lens wearers or those requiring frequent daily use.
Hylo Eye Drops and Preservative-Free Options
Hylo eye drops are preservative-free and commonly recommended for people with sensitive eyes or chronic dry eye. Preservative-free eye drops are often preferred for frequent use, as they reduce the risk of irritation associated with long-term preservative exposure. They are different colours because of the strength. light blue or Hylo-Fresh is 0.01mg/ml of Sodium Hyaluoranate. Hylo-Forte is 0.02mg/ml and there are two other brands, Lacrifresh 0.03mg/ml and Blink Intensive Tears Plus 0.038mg/ml.
Eye Drops for Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers often experience dry eye symptoms due to reduced tear stability during lens wear. Not all eye drops are suitable for use with contact lenses.
Many preservative-free lubricating eye drops can be used safely with contact lenses, while others are designed to support comfort before or after lens wear. Proper contact lens care, including the use of appropriate contact lens solutions, also plays an important role in managing dryness. There are two specific drops to avoid instilling when wearing contact lenses, one is called Novatears, this is because of the semi-fluoroalkane in its chemistry, which degrades materials, and the other is Optimel , which is a manuka honey-based eye drop that is anti-inflammatory and anti-infective. Watch out for the sting. If you are unsure, then please contact the clinic for advice.
Preservative-Free Alternatives to Polytears, Systane & Hylo
Our range includes preservative-free eye drops that may be suitable alternatives to commonly used products such as Polytears, Systane, and Hylo. These options are selected by optometrists based on tear film stability, ocular surface health, and suitability for long-term use.
Some alternatives are specifically formulated for:
- Frequent daily use
- Contact lens wearers
- Moderate to severe dry eye
- Patients with ocular surface sensitivity
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Patients undergoing active treatment plans or management in conjunction with in- office treatments such as Blephex, Low Level Light Therapy, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Lipiflow
Choosing the Right Eye Drop for Dry Eye Relief
The most suitable eye drop depends on the underlying cause of dry eye, symptom severity, frequency of use, and whether contact lenses are worn. While over-the-counter products such as Polytears, Systane, and Hylo are commonly used, some patients benefit from alternative formulations selected based on clinical assessment.
Buy Eye Drops Online in New Zealand
All eye drops available through Rose Optometry are optometrist-approved and selected to support safe, effective dry eye management. Products can be purchased online with fast New Zealand shipping.
If symptoms persist or worsen, professional assessment is recommended to ensure appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Eye
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 guidelines recommend preservative-free formulations and a full 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. This is why 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 all lubricating eye drops, but they differ in formulation, viscosity, and preservative status. Some products are better suited for mild, intermittent dryness, while others are designed for moderate to severe dry eye or contact lens wearers. Importantly, 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 recommended for moderate to severe dry eye, frequent use, contact lens wear, and sensitive eyes. DEWS III highlights preservatives as a potential contributor to ocular surface toxicity when used long-term.
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. Eye drops specifically labelled as safe for use with contact lenses are recommended.
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 lid disease. A comprehensive dry eye assessment—including tear break-up time, ocular surface staining, and meibomian gland evaluation—allows 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 appropriate for daytime use. Thinner drops may be better tolerated but 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 lid hygiene, heat therapy, dietary modification, management of eyelid inflammation, and in-clinic treatments. Eye drops alone are often insufficient for long-term control.
When should I see an optometrist for dry eyes?
You should seek professional assessment if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting daily activities such as reading, screen use, or driving. Ongoing reliance on eye drops without improvement suggests an underlying issue that requires targeted treatment.
You can call the practice on 07 8473195 or book a Dry Eye Free Chat here