Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people ask our pharmacists for help. Heating, screens, contact lenses, air travel and getting older all reduce the tear film that keeps your eyes comfortable. The result is gritty, tired, burning or even watery eyes.
Why preservative-free drops are usually best
If you use drops several times a day, preservatives can irritate the surface of the eye. Preservative-free multi-dose bottles let you use them as often as you need, and most are suitable with contact lenses.
Which drop for which eyes
- Mild, occasional dryness – Hycosan Original (sodium hyaluronate 0.1%), a light everyday drop.
- Moderate dryness, screen use – Hycosan Extra, a higher-strength hyaluronate that lasts longer between drops.
- Dryness that keeps coming back – Thealoz Duo combines trehalose with hyaluronate to protect the eye surface as well as lubricate it.
- Night-time or severe dryness – Thealoz Duo Gel is thicker, so it stays put longer; vision may blur briefly.
- Itchy, watery eyes from allergy – this is not dry eye; try Optrex ActiMist or ask us about allergy drops.
Tips that make drops work better
- Take screen breaks: every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Keep a warm compress handy if your eyelids are crusty – see our blepharitis guide.
- Drink enough water and avoid direct air from heaters or car vents.
When to see an optician or GP
Get your eyes checked promptly if you have eye pain, sensitivity to light, a red eye, changes in your vision, or if drops have not helped after two weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dry eye drops with contact lenses?
Most preservative-free hyaluronate drops, including Hycosan and Thealoz Duo, can be used with soft contact lenses. Check the leaflet for your product.
How often can I use dry eye drops?
Preservative-free lubricating drops can usually be used as often as needed, typically 3 to 6 times a day.
Which is better, Hycosan or Thealoz Duo?
Both are good. Hycosan is a simple hyaluronate drop that suits most people; Thealoz Duo adds trehalose and is often chosen for more persistent dryness.
Buy from a real Liverpool pharmacy
Anfield Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered pharmacy at 140 Oakfield Road, Liverpool L4 0UQ. Tracked UK delivery is £2.49, free on orders over £25, or collect free from the pharmacy. Questions? Call 0151 263 3631, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.
This article is general information, not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist, GP or optometrist. Always read the label.
