Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops of 2024

Before you buy an eye drop, it is important to talk to your doctor so that he or she can assess your problem. In some cases, OTC eye drops are sufficient, but in other situations, you may need prescription medicated drops.

If your problem can be solved with OTC eye drops, you should know that there are drops with preservatives and others without. Preservative-free eye drops are generally safe for most people, including pregnant women. Drops with preservatives should be used more conservatively, as they can aggravate some cases. The same goes for other drops, such as those for redness relief.

“Poor quality artificial tears, or tears that emphasize the red color, often contain chemicals that can cause problems such as eye backwash, dilation of the eyes, corneal toxicity, blurred vision and worsening dry eye syndrome,” Koetting warned.

Dr. Edmund FarrisAn associate professor of ophthalmology at Mount Sinai, added that these preservatives can change aspects of the eye. He said, “The preservatives in most drops can change the corneal surface and cause a loss of these superficial corneal cells, which can ultimately lead to more symptoms.” So if you use these types of drops too often, this can become a problem.

Some signs to look for if you think you’re having a negative reaction to eye drops include worsening redness, irritation, blurred vision, and a burning or gritty feeling. This often happens due to the preservatives that are in some of the drops. Koetting said that if these symptoms don’t improve, it could indicate an allergy or sensitivity to the drops. “However, if someone notices increased itching, swelling around the eye, or the whites of the eyes becoming swollen and red, they should immediately stop using the drops and call an eye care professional,” she added.