Dry eyes can be a precursor to many health conditions. At the same time, staring at a computer screen or your mobile phone without blinking for a long time can also lead to dry eyes. Symptoms like burning sensation and itchiness are indications of dry eyes. Luckily, there are eye drops for dry eyes that can help you counter the problem. Here are some options to help you make an informed choice.

1. Over-the-counter (OTC)
Most OTC eye drops are formulated using humectants, electrolytes, and lubricants that help your eyes retain their moisture. You can either buy eye drops or look for ointments and gels. The latter is recommended for overnight use as they stay in your eyes for longer.

2. Prescription drops
Prescription eye drops also include medicines that help treat persistent eye problems. These eye drops reduce inflammation that is responsible for causing dry eyes. The drops are to be used at least twice a day to help with tear production, reducing dryness and itchiness.

3. Eye drops with preservatives
These types of eye drops come in two types, with preservatives and without preservatives. The ones with preservatives help prevent bacterial growth that can lead to dry eyes. However, some people experience irritation and scratchiness in their eyes due to the presence of preservatives. These are usually not recommended to someone who has chronic eye dryness.

4. Eyedrops without preservatives
These eye drops are recommended to people who have severe or moderate dry eyes. They are single-use containers and often cost more than the other alternatives. If your dryness is caused due to decreased oil layer in your tears, then your doctor may recommend eye drops with oil.

When you are looking for eye drops for dry eyes, keep in mind that certain products will only treat the symptoms and not the underlying problem causing your condition. If you are looking to treat the problem permanently, you may want to avoid eye drops altogether. Talk to your doctor for more permanent solutions that can remove redness and dryness from your eyes.

In most cases, mild reasons causing eye dryness can be treated with the help of OTC medicines, such as eye drops, gels, and ointments. However, dry eyes can also be indicative of a serious health condition. So, it is advisable to get your eye health examined at least once every year. Apart from getting your vision tested annually, you can tell your doctor if you are experiencing dry eyes persistently. The best way to overcome the problem permanently is to treat the main cause.