12 Best Preservative-Free Eye Drops for Dry, Red or Irritated Eyes 2024

When to Use Eye Drops for Eyes？

There are a number of different eye conditions that may cause itchy eyes. These include pink eye, blepharitis, and dry eye.

1.Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a condition where the membrane covering the eye becomes inflamed. It is one of the most common causes of itchy eyes.

There are actually four different kinds of conjunctivitis:

• Viral: Caused by the same virus responsible for the common cold and just as contagious. This form generally goes away on its own in 7-14 days. Artificial tears can relieve symptoms, but severe cases may need prescription-only anti-inflammatory eye drops.

• Bacterial: Highly contagious, caused by bacteria, and marked by large amounts of pus. This form is best treated by prescription-only anti-bacterial eye drops.

• Giant papillary: This form, which affects the inner eyelids, is most often caused by wearing contact lenses.

• Allergic: This form is not contagious, since it is caused by individual reactions to certain substances. Allergies can prompt reactions such as itchiness and inflammation in the eyes, nasal passages, or both.

2.Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition in which the eyelids are irritated due to a variety of causes, including bacterial infection, dry eyes, and acne rosacea. The condition develops in the skin at the base of the eyelashes.

Blepharitis can cause the eyelids to thicken, promote styes, and lead the eyes to itch, burn, turn red, and develop crusts.

Treatment for this condition may include the use of artificial tears or steroid eye drops.

3.Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition in which the body does not make enough tears or enough of the right quality to keep the eyes moist and comfortable.It can be caused by many factors, including:

• over-the-counter and prescription drugs

• changes in hormone levels

• environmental irritants such as smoke

• some autoimmune diseases such as lupus

What is eye dry syndrome ?

Stinging or burning eyes, as well as frequent watering of the eyes due to irritation, are common symptoms.

What eyedrops are best for dry eyes?

For many people, preservatives can be irritants so it's best to avoid them at all costs. Also, everyone has a different cause for their dry eyes, so everyone may react differently.Here are some other tips for choosing eye drops:

• Avoid redness reliever products.  These products are designed to decrease the amount of redness in your eyes, not to decrease your dryness. In addition, these drops can often cause "rebound redness" some time later, making your eyes look more red and more uncomfortable than before.

• If you wear contact lenses, use contact lens specific rewetting drops. Regular lubricating drops can be thick and adhere to your contact lenses, causing blurred or hazy vision for hours after use. Drops designed for contact lenses are not as thick as other artificial tears and will not cause blurred vision for very long. They will be labeled as “rewetting drops” or “for contact lenses.” Bonus points if they're preservative free!

Why use preservative-free eye drops?

There has been quite a lot of debate over the safety and benefits of preservatives in artificial tears.There are pros and cons to both, as the table below highlights.

Overall, medical professionals and ophthalmologists agree that it is better to use preservative-free eye drops whenever possible.

The Best Preservative-Free Eye Drops

1.Refresh Optive Mega-3 Eye Drops Preservative Free

(Price & Where to Buy: $19.99 + up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

This new, preservative-free, low blur formula fortifies and restores the lipid layer of the tear film. Its unique blend of natural oils helps prevent tear evaporation and is clinically proven to treat the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye.We love this drop because it provides the ocular surface with the healthy omega-3 oils we always speak about. MEGA-3 does not require shaking prior to use, comes in sterile vials, and is a great option we recommend. 

• Single use containers

• Preservative free

• Enhanced with flaxseed oil

• Prevents tear evaporation and restores all three layers of the tear film damaged by dry eye

• Sterile

How To Use: To open, Twist and Pull Tab to Remove. Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed and discard container.Safe to use as often as needed.No shaking required.

2.Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops

(Price & Where to Buy: $11.99 + up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

Systane Ultra are provided in preservative free vials. They are sterile and doctor recommended. They provide fast symptom relief and offer extended protection. The product, created by Systane, includes breakthrough comfort technology. It is the latest in Dry Eye Syndrome treatment made available by Systane, and the product has been designed to protect the ocular surface. While being provided as a drop, it acts as a gel, providing enhanced lubrication for the eye.

• Relieves burring and itching of the eye

• Eyes feel lubricated and refreshed

• Fast relief and extended protection

How To Use: shake well before using. instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

3.Bausch and Lomb Soothe Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops 

(Price & Where to Buy: $9.86 + up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

These single-use vials of eye drops claim to use a longer-lasting formula than some competitors. This brand is also known as one of the more affordable eye drop options.The manufacturers also claim that these eye drops are better for sensitive eyes or for people recovering from LASIK surgery. Because they’re preservative-free, these eye drops might be especially gentle on your eyes and are safe to use twice per day.

•  Long lasting, fast relief.

•  Gentle enough for sensitive eyes and LASIK dryness (If used for post-operative (e.g., LASIK) dryness and discomfort, follow your eye doctor's recommendations).

• Convenient, single dose vials.

•  Soothe Preservative Free eye drops provide immediate comfort with a formula that's preservative free so it's gentle enough to use as often as needed.

How To Use:To open, completely twist off tab, instill 1 To 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. Discard dispenser immediately after use.

4.TheraTears, Preservative Free Dry Eye Therapy Lubricant Eye Drops

(Price & Where to Buy: $9.99 + up to 6% cashback at Rite Aid)

TheraTears eye drops become preservative free once they come in contact with the eye. They are sterile and provide the eye with lubrication. It is a highly popular type of drop that uses a patented electrolyte balance. The product has been created after 18 years of research by ophthalmologist Jeffrey P. Gilbard, MD. It works best on people with mild to moderate DES. Every purchase of a TheraTears product supports the Schepens Eye Research Institute, which is committed to fighting painful eye conditions and blindness.

• Immediate long-lasting relief of dry eye symptoms.

• TheraTears unique hypotonic and electrolyte balanced formula replicates healthy tears.

• TheraTears is preservative free for sensitive eyes.

• Available in 30 count single-use vials.

• Single-use vials come in a foil pouch to ensure they are as fresh as natural tears.

How To Use:To open, twist tab completely off. Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

5.Systane Anytime Protection Lubricating Gel Eye Drops for Dry Eyes Symptoms

(Price & Where to Buy: $11.97 + up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

SYSTANE lubricating eye drops provide soothing comfort, add moisture, and leave eyes feeling refreshed. The SYSTANE® Family of Products offers options for everyday use, intensive therapy and special use. Try SYSTANE ULTRA for high-performance relief, available in a preservative-free formula for sensitive eyes. SYSTANE BALANCE is our clinical-strength intensive therapy that supports your own natural tears by restoring your lipid layer.

• Lubricating gel eye drops from Systane, the #1 Doctor Recommended Brand of artificial tears

• Intensive gel shield for enduring relief

• Easy application, extra protection

How To Use:Shake well before using.  Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. 

6.Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops

(Price & Where to Buy: $11.99 + up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

When your eyes are dry, burning, or irritated because of Dry Eye, Refresh Optive offers relief with not just one, but two active ingredients. Providing long-lasting hydration, this specially designed formula moisturizes and protects the cells of the eye that can become damaged due to Dry Eye. Safe to use with contact lenses.

• elieves burning, irritation, discomfort

• Protects against irritation

• Clinically proven triple action formula

How To Use:Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

7.Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser for Eye Irritation and Eyelid Relief

(Price & Where to Buy: $19.97 + up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

This hypochlorous acid cleanser is a great one for those of you with red, irritated eyes. We love this cleanser because it's helping to get to the root of the problem instead of just covering up the symptom, as most artificial tears do.By cleansing with hypochlorous acid, you're removing contaminants from the skin of your eyelids, which would normally lead to blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and dry eye disease in the long run.This solution is super easy to use, there's no need to rinse it off, and it has a 2-year shelf life. 

• 100% ORGANIC, 100% VEGAN, 100% ALL-NATURAL

• SAFE & EFFECTIVE TO USE DAILY

• 2 YEAR SHELF LIFE

How To Use:Simply clean the eyelids of any debris or makeup and spray closed eyelids with the solution.  Gently rub into the upper and lower lid and lash margin .Repeat morning and evening for best results.

8.Oasis Tears PLUS Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops 

(Price & Where to Buy: $26.19 + up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

Keep your eyes looking healthy and feeling comfortable with these Oasis Tears Lubricant Eye Drops. They're formulated to coat and moisten delicate eye tissue to relieve dry, irritated eyes. These Oasis Tears Plus eye drops are designed to be gentle and comfortable so you get relief quickly. Oasis for dry eyes is safe to use on a regular basis. The 30 one-time containers are packaged to remain sterile until you use them. There are no preservatives in the formula. Oasis Tears Lubricant Eye Drops feel more like your body's own tears and oils to make them more effective. This way, they help relieve not only dryness and irritation but also the sticky-lid sensation that often comes with dry eyes.

• Oasis preservative-free lubricant eye drops relieve dryness, irritation and sticky-lid sensation

• Suitable for use during daytime or nighttime

• Effective in relieving and treating moderate to severe dry eye symptoms

• Contains no preservatives

How To Use:Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed

9.Ocusoft Retaine MGD Lubricant Eye Drop 

(Price & Where to Buy: $20.99 + up to 6% cashback at Rite Aid)

The preservative free Retaine MGD is a great choice when you want something to give you relief of those dry, irritated eyes at the end of a long day, and you can feel free to use these as often as you'd like since they contain no preservatives.These also come in small vials for ease of carrying with you.

• Relieves irritation

• Protects against moisture loss

• Long-lasting comfort

How To Use:Shake well before using.Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed and discard container.

10.Bion Tears Lubricant Eye Drops

(Price & Where to Buy: $18 + up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

Get the relief that you need with Bion Tears Lubricant Eye Drops 28. They are very easy to use and work fast. These Bion Tears eye drops help to soothe irritation from severe dryness. There are no preservatives, and they are completely sterile. These Bion Tears drops come in single-use vials.

• Eye drops lubricant for severe dry eye, single-use vials

• Store at room temperature

• Bion Tears eye drops are preservative-free

• Bion Tears Lubricant Eye Drops are an advanced tear substitute especially formulated and packaged for persistent dry eye conditions requiring frequent therapy
  

How To Use:Make sure container is intact before use. To open, completely twist off tab. Do not pull off. Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. Throw away container. Do not reuse.

11. Similasan Dry Eye Relief Sterile Eye Drops

(Price & Where to Buy: $7.19 + up to 3% cashback at  Swanson Health)

Similasan Dry Eye Relief's unique "Active Response Formula" quickly stimulates the eye's ability to fight dryness and clear redness due to smog, stress, age or contact lenses. No sting or worries about rebound or contraindications. Similasan has provided healthy relief to millions of people around the world for over 15 years. Their commitment to high quality standards makes them the choice for ocular care.

• Similasan Dry Eye Relief delivers safe relief for eye irritations

• Specially formulated to ease the burning and watering of dry, red eyes

• Features 100% active ingredients

How To Use:remove tamper-evident seal from neck of bottle,twist cap off bottle ;squeeze plastic tip to release 2-3 drops into eye apply as needed, replace cap after use.

12.Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops

(Price & Where to Buy: $11.99 + up to 6% cashback at Rite Aid)

Try LUMIFY, the amazing eye drop that significantly reduces redness to help your eyes look whiter and brighter, and reveal their natural beauty. It has got an ingredient no other over-the-counter eye drop has: low-dose brimonidine. It selectively targets redness in your eyes, which leads to a lower risk of the side effects associated with other redness relievers when used as directed. That way, you can significantly reduce redness to help eyes look whiter, brighter, and amazing for up to 8 hours.

• Redness Reliever Eye Drops

• Unique Formula never available before

• Works in 1 minute

• Lasts up to 8 hours

How To Use:Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 6-8 hours Do not use more than 4 times daily Remove contact lenses before use Wait at least 10 minutes before re-inserting contact lenses after use If using other ophthalmic products while using this product, wait at least 5 minutes between each product to avoid contamination.

How to Apply Eye Drops?

1. First, always wash your hands prior to putting eye drops in your eye (or your child’s). It does you no good to use eye drops to solve one problem if you inadvertently create an entirely new problem by introducing a new irritant into the eye. Also, make sure you don’t touch the dropper tip or eyeball with your hands, as you could introduce a foreign contaminant that would then be transferred to the eye.

2. Always use a mirror when inserting your eye drops; trying to freehand an eye drop into your eye creates a completely unnecessary risk that you will scratch your eye with the dropper tip or a fingernail.

3. Looking in the mirror, pull the lower eyelid down and away from the face, and place a drop (or more, if prescribed) into the gap you’ve created by pulling the eyelid down. Before moving on to the next eye, close the first eye and look around with the eye closed to evenly distribute the artificial tear around the inside of the eyelid. It may also help to press on the small puncta next to your nose, to keep drops from leaking out of your eyes. Repeat the entire process on the other eye. 

Alternatively, feel free to lie back on a bed or couch and apply the drops if the above method proves to be too difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Drops

1.How long can you use preservative free eye drops?

At present, preservative free eye drops in multiple application containers may be used for 3 days (inpatients) or 7 days (outpatients).

2.Is preservative free eye drops better?

The preservatives may irritate your eyes, especially if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eyedrops. This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you apply artificial tears more than four times a day, or if you have moderate or severe dry eyes.

3.Can preservative free eye drops irritate your eyes?

The preservatives may irritate your eyes, especially if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eyedrops. This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you apply artificial tears more than four times a day, or if you have moderate or severe dry eyes.

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