Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops of 2023

Systane is a trusted brand recommended by optometrists for those with dry eyes. As someone who's struggled with dry eyes, this product is also my usual go-to. The Systane eye drops work for up to eight hours and are ideal for dry, sensitive eyes. The bottle is designed to dispense nano droplets so you don't waste any product. They're also safe enough to use regularly since they're free of preservatives. 

Dr. Cecelia Koetting, optometrist and clinical instructor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said she likes these drops for all kinds of dry eyes, and they're also safe to use during pregnancy, which can bring on a case of dryness.

It's important to know the cause of red eyes before self-medicating. Koetting said that "if someone has red eyes it is typically a symptom of something else, such as more severe dry eye disease and is a good idea to see an eye care professional, especially if there is any sudden pain with it." 

Dr. John Sheppard, an ophthalmologist and Professor of Ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School agrees and advises to avoid vasoconstrictor eye drops with naphazoline, a decongestant that is usually found in OTC eye drops like Visine or Clear Eyes. This ingredient is also known to restrict blood flow which can cause high blood pressure. 

"These types of drops induce dependency, so I prefer Lumify," said Dr. Sheppard. If you've cleared with your doctor that it's appropriate to use OTC drops for redness, Lumify is a solid choice. Lumify contains brimonidine, which is commonly used in glaucoma medication. It also helps reduce pressure and fluid in the eyes. As long as you aren't dealing with an infection or other medical complication, it is safe to use, especially if you're looking to reduce eye redness fast. 

If you wear contact lenses then you're probably used to having to dry eyes when you wear them for too long. That's why it's important to rewet them throughout the day. Blink eye drops are popular lubricating eye drops for contact lens users. These drops can be used before inserting your contacts or after the fact. Blink contacts aren't preservative-free and include an ingredient known as OcuPure which is a gentle oxidative preservative made up of sodium chloride and other ingredients that transform into natural tear components in the eye.

This is one of Dr. Stokkermans' top eye drop picks. "I like Blink Contacts because it has a good preservative [OcuPure] that does not cause as much eye problems," he said. If you're not sure if Blink Eye Drops are right for your contact needs, consult with your eye doctor first.  

One of the post-surgery side effects of LASIK or cataract eye surgery is dry eyes. A safe eye drop choice that will help relieve dryness caused by eye surgery is Systane's Hydration PFeye drops. 

I personally like the single vials Systane offers: They're easy to toss in your bag when you're on the go and they're less wasteful. Systane's Hydration PF eye drops differ from our other top pick, Systane Complete PF eye drops, because the former is more for those who need to regularly hydrate their eyes during recovery. 

These hydration drops are Koetting's top pick for patients who've had LASIK eye surgery because they provide long-lasting relief and have the extra moisturizing hydration components that are needed. 

Allergy sufferers know that allergy season can wreak havoc on your eyes. That's why having dependable eye drops on hand can be helpful. Pataday Once Daily Relief Allergy Eye Drops are recommended by physicians because they contain an antihistamine that offers fast symptom relief for mild to moderate allergies. They can tackle indoor and outdoor allergens like dander, pollen, ragweed and grass. If you use contact lenses, it's advised to not use these drops while wearing them and if you do, you should wait 10 minutes after application before inserting them. 

"Pataday extra strength is a pretty effective drop and all you need to do is apply it once daily to each eye," Dr. Rooney said. If you're uncertain if Pataday will work for your allergy condition, remember to consult with your doctor in case you are a better candidate for a medicated option. 

Sometimes you will need overnight drops if you need extra lubrication in your eyes. Overnight drops are different from your standard eye drops. "Oftentimes a thicker gel or ointment may be recommended for overnight 8-hour relief while sleeping," said Dr. Nathan Lighthizer, an optometrist and associate dean at the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. 

The Optase Hylo Night Dry Eye Ointment is a favorite of Koetting, who recommends this preservative-free drop to patients with certain sleeping conditions. "For those who have a CPAP machine or may sleep with eyes partially open, this ointment in particular is good because it has Vitamin A to help heal the front surface," she said. 

Optase is safe for everyday use and is applied to the eyelids before bed. People with moderate to severe dry eyes may find relief using this ointment regularly. If your eyes don't seem to improve after some time, speak with your doctor to find a better or stronger solution.