Can artificial tears be used long-term?
Artificial tears are ophthalmic medications designed to simulate natural human tears. Generally, long-term use of artificial tears is not recommended. Medication usage should follow medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Although artificial tears can effectively relieve symptoms of dry eyes and simulate natural tears to provide necessary moisture and nourishment for the eyes, long-term usage may bring certain risks and side effects. Some artificial tears contain preservatives, which may damage the cornea after prolonged use, causing eye redness, irritation, or other complications. Moreover, prolonged and frequent use of artificial tears may lead to dependency, reducing the natural tear production of the lacrimal glands, thus affecting the eye's self-cleansing function and the stability of the tear film.
Therefore, when using artificial tears, one should follow medical instructions, select the appropriate type and dosage according to individual conditions, and avoid long-term use. Additionally, it is important to maintain good eye hygiene and healthy visual habits in daily life, avoiding excessive eye strain and eye fatigue.