What eye drops should be used for dry eyes?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
When choosing eye drops for dry eyes, the decision mainly depends on the cause and severity of the dryness. In general, dry eyes may be caused by factors such as eye strain, dry environments, dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients can choose appropriate methods to improve their condition—such as general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention—based on their specific circumstances.
When experiencing dry eyes, the choice of eye drops mainly depends on the cause and severity of the dryness. In general, dry eyes may be caused by factors such as eye strain, dry environments, dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients can choose appropriate treatments—such as general care, medication, or surgical intervention—based on their specific condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Eye strain
Prolonged screen time reduces blinking frequency, accelerates tear evaporation, and leads to dryness due to insufficient moisture on the ocular surface. Rest for 5 minutes every 30 minutes of screen use, look into the distance to relax the eyes, consciously increase blinking, and apply a warm towel compress to the eyes before bedtime.
2. Dry environment
In environments such as air-conditioned rooms or windy, sandy weather, low humidity accelerates tear evaporation from the ocular surface, causing dryness. Use a humidifier to increase ambient moisture, wear wind-protective goggles when outdoors, and avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments.
3. Dry eye syndrome
Inadequate tear production or poor tear quality fails to maintain sufficient moisture on the ocular surface, leading to dryness accompanied by a foreign body sensation. Under medical guidance, use sodium hyaluronate eye drops, polyvinyl alcohol eye drops, or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops, and avoid rubbing the eyes.
4. Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergens trigger inflammation of the conjunctiva, disrupting normal tear secretion and resulting in dryness and itching. Under medical guidance, use olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, sodium cromoglicate eye drops, or emedastine difumarate eye drops, and avoid allergens such as pollen.
5. Meibomian gland dysfunction
Reduced oil secretion from the meibomian glands compromises tear film stability, increasing tear evaporation and causing dryness. Under medical guidance, use tobramycin-dexamethasone eye ointment, erythromycin eye ointment, or pranoprofen eye drops; in severe cases, meibomian gland expression therapy may be required.
In daily life, consume more foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and blueberries. Adjust screen brightness and viewing distance when using electronic devices, and avoid staying up late. Seek prompt medical attention if eye discomfort worsens, follow medical advice when using medications, and do not self-prescribe preservative-containing eye drops for long-term use.
