Preservative-Free Eye Drops: Why They Matter and When to Use Them
- Northern Sight Optometry
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Dry, gritty, or blurry eyes? You're not alone. Millions of people experience dry eye disease every year, and one of the most common recommendations from eye care professionals is artificial tears. But not all drops are created equal—and if you've ever found your eyes felt worse after using over-the-counter eye drops, you’re not imagining things. The culprit might be preservatives.
In this post, we’ll break down the basics of dry eye disease, explain the difference between regular and preservative-free artificial tears, bust some common myths, and help you understand when to use a regular drop versus a thicker gel drop.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease (technically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca) occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms can range from mild to quite uncomfortable, and include:
Dryness
Burning or stinging
Redness
A sandy or gritty feeling
Fluctuating blurry vision
Excessive tearing (yes, watery eyes can be a sign of dry eyes!)
Feeling like something’s in your eye
If left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to inflammation, eye infections, and even damage to the cornea. So while it may sound like a small issue, it's important to treat it seriously.
Preservative-Free Artificial Tears vs. Regular Eye Drops
Think of artificial tears like moisturizer for your eyes. Artificial tears help replenish your tear film—a protective layer that coats the surface of your eye. This tear film is vital not just for comfort but for clear vision and eye health. It keeps the eye lubricated, flushes out debris, and helps prevent infection. For people who spend hours on screens, live in dry climates, or wear contact lenses, using artificial tears preventatively—before you feel symptoms—can stop dry, blurry, or irritated eyes from developing in the first place.
However, not all drops are created equal.
Many drugstore eye drops contain preservatives to prevent bacteria from contaminating the bottle. The most common one is benzalkonium chloride (BAK). While preservatives help extend shelf life, they can also irritate the delicate surface of the eye—especially if you're using them frequently.
Preservative-free eye drops, on the other hand, come in single-use vials or special multi-dose bottles that maintain sterility without added chemicals. These are gentler on your eyes and ideal for people with:
Moderate to severe dry eye
Sensitive eyes
Post-surgical healing (like after LASIK or cataract surgery)
Chronic eye drop use (e.g., glaucoma medications)
Yes, they tend to be more expensive—but for anyone using drops more than four times a day, preservative-free is absolutely worth it.
High-quality preservative-free brands—such as Hylo® or Thealoz Duo®—are often recommended by eye care professionals. They contain advanced ingredients that stabilize the tear film and hydrate the eye more effectively than lower-cost drugstore brands.
Regular Drops vs. Gel Drops: What’s the Difference?
Not all artificial tears feel the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Regular Preservative-Free Drops
Best for daytime use
Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Can be used as often as needed
Great for screen use, dry environments, or mild-moderate symptoms
Gel Drops (or Gel-Forming Drops)
Thicker consistency
Longer-lasting hydration
Ideal for nighttime use or severe dryness
May cause temporary blurring after application
If you find yourself waking up with dry, crusty eyes, a gel drop before bed can provide overnight protection. During the day, regular drops keep your eyes feeling refreshed without interfering with your vision.
Myth Buster: Can You Get “Addicted” to Eye Drops?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear. The short answer? No, you can’t become addicted to artificial tears.
However, your eyes might become reliant on them if the underlying cause of dryness isn’t treated. That’s why it’s important to work with our optometrists to identify and address root causes, whether it's meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, or environmental triggers.
Artificial tears are a key part of treatment—but not the only part. And remember: it’s perfectly okay (and often recommended!) to use drops preventatively. Don’t wait for your eyes to feel dry before you reach for relief.
Preservative-free eye drops are a gentle, effective way to manage dry eye symptoms. Choosing the right type of drop, using them consistently, and understanding the root causes of your dryness can make a world of difference.
If you’re unsure which eye drops are best for you, or you’ve tried a few with little success, we can help. At Northern Sight Optometry, we offer customized dry eye assessments and treatment plans to keep your eyes clear, comfortable, and healthy.
Book an appointment today to find the right solution for your dry eyes. Your eyes will thank you!