All of the drops are very similar. They slightly differ in the formula. But they all do the job.
Many are suitable for contact lens wear, use for day and night and safe for pregnancy and breast feeding. With dry-eye eye drops it is a matter of trial and error.
Below, I have classified common drops into Mild-moderate and Moderate- Severe.
| Mild-Moderate Eye Drops | Notes | Gel Form | Preservative free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh tears plus | For general relief of mild symptoms and protection from further irritation | Refresh liquigel | Refresh plus vials |
| Refresh Optive | Dual action formula for temporary relief of mild symptoms | Refresh Optive gel | Refresh Optive PF |
| Refresh Relieva | With Hydrocell technology which enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the ocular surface. for relief of mild to moderate symptoms and protect from further irritation | ? | Refresh Relieva PF |
| Refresh Digital | For relief of mild symptoms due to infrequent blinking | Refresh Digital PF | |
| Optive Advanced | For general relief of symptoms + including burning sensations and protection from further irritation | Optive Gel | Optive advanced PF Optive sensitive |
| Systane Ultra | Fast acting, relief of dry eye symptoms including burning. | Systane Gel | Systane Ultra PF bottle and vials |
| Systane Balanced | Locks in moisture and prevents tears from evaporation | ||
| Hylofresh | More premium solution for mild to moderate chronic dry eye patients requiring frequent lubrication. Contains high quality Sodium Hyaluronate which provides optimal longer lasting moistening. May be used post operatively. | preservative free, phosphate free |
| Moderate-Severe Eye Drops | Notes | Gel Form | Preservative free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systane Hydrate | Contains Sodium Hyaluronate derived from hyaluronic acid allowing for x2 moisture retention | ✔️ (HP guar gelling agent) | ✔️ |
| Systane Complete | Works on all layers of the tear film. Optimal relief for sore, gritty eyes. Fast acting, evaporation protection. Relief for up to 8 hours Nano Sized lipid droplets for optimal covering of eye surface | ✔️ (HP guar gelling agent) | |
| Thera tears | High performing formula that is less dense. Hypotonic and electrolyte balanced Long lasting | Product dissolves preservatives when in contact with eyes and oxygen | |
| Refresh Celluvisc Gel | Moderate- Severe relief of symptoms. Longer lasting performance. Thickest formula in the range | ✔️ | Refresh Celluvisc PF |
| Bion Tears | Tear substitute for people with chronic moderate to severe dry eyes. water based containing bicarbonate. Useful after operative surgery like LASIK | ✔️ | |
| Nova tears | Tear film stabiliser to reduce evaporation. Spreads easily and quickly on the eye. specifically formulated for meibomian gland dysfunction. Not suitable for use with contact lenses. Not suitable for children under 18, pregnant and breastfeeding women. | preservative free, phosphate free and water free | |
| Poly gel | Provides long lasting relief of symptoms such as stinging, burning, gritty sensations | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Genteal tears Gel severe | Longer lasting relief with protection against further irritation. Best to use before bedtime. | Also available in ointment form | Contains GenAqua which creates a preservative free environment in your eyes that protects your eyes just like your natural tears, making it safe to use over the longterm |
| Hyloforte | More premium solution for severe and chronic dry eye patients requiring frequent lubrication. Contains high quality Sodium Hyaluronate which provides optimal longer lasting moistening. May be used post operatively. |
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