07/24/2026
Which artificial tears should I buy?
This is a question we get ALL the time, and honestly, we get it! Walking into the store and seeing an entire aisle of artificial tears with a million different options can be very overwhelming.
The good news is that there isn’t necessarily one “best” artificial tear. Systane, Refresh, and iVIZIA are all good brands with lots of different options, so you really can’t go wrong!
One thing we do recommend paying attention to is whether the drops are preservative-free. If you have sensitive eyes or are using artificial tears more than 4 times a day, preservative-free drops are a great option since preservatives can sometimes cause additional irritation with frequent use.
So, the next time you’re standing in the artificial tear aisle wondering which one you’re supposed to buy…don’t overthink it! Look for a preservative-free option from a reputable brand and see which one works best for you.
And if you’re using artificial tears frequently but still having dry, irritated eyes, it’s a good idea to see your ophthalmologist. There may be an underlying cause of your dry eye that needs to be addressed!
