The Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops: A Comprehensive List

Mild to Moderate Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms exist on a spectrum ranging from occasional dryness to persistent discomfort. Mild to moderate dry eye often presents as a feeling of grittiness, intermittent burning or stinging, and occasional blurriness. It can be triggered by environmental factors like low humidity or air conditioning, prolonged reading, or natural tear-film instability. For these everyday dry eye woes, two OTC options provide reliable relief.

Refresh Optive® GEL Drops

For those experiencing persistent dryness that goes beyond occasional discomfort, Refresh Optive® GEL Drops are an ideal choice. These gel-based drops can be used anytime, day or night, to create a soothing, protective barrier across the eye’s surface. The thicker consistency helps envelope the eye in long-lasting hydration, offering extended relief from moderate dry eye symptoms. Whether you’re battling office air conditioning or seasonal allergies, Refresh Optive® GEL Drops offer a gentle, comforting cushion that keeps your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable around the clock. 

Refresh Relieva® PF

When mild to moderate dryness flares up during your waking hours, Refresh Relieva® PF is the go-to, preservative-free solution. Designed specifically for daytime use, these drops lock in moisture to halt further irritation, making them perfect for busy individuals who need reliable relief without the counterintuitive sting that some formulas can cause. The PF (preservative-free) formula ensures that even sensitive eyes can enjoy sustained lubrication, allowing you to go about your day without constantly reaching for a tissue or rubbing tired eyes. 

Dryness from Prolonged Screen Time

Digital eye strain has become increasingly common as we spend more hours in front of computers, tablets, smartphones, and TVs. When you’re focused on a screen, your blink rate drastically drops, causing tears to evaporate faster than they can be replenished. The result is dry, tired eyes that burn, itch, or feel gritty, often just when you need them to perform their best. 

Refresh Digital® PF

Refresh Digital® PF is formulated specifically to address the fast-onset dryness associated with screens. Designed for use during or immediately after any extended session on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or television, these preservative-free drops rapidly replenish moisture by mimicking your natural tears. The lightweight formula soothes irritation without blurring your vision, allowing you to blink normally and return to your digital tasks with clear, comfortable eyesight. 

Moderate to Intense Dry Eye

When your eyes feel severely dry, especially during the night, overnight relief is essential to prevent waking up with irritated eyes. Moderate to intense dry eye often stems from chronic tear-film instability, certain medications, or environmental factors like low humidity. Without adequate lubrication while you sleep, your eyes can become red, scratchy, and uncomfortable by morning. 

Refresh PM®

Refresh PM® is engineered for bedtime use, creating a protective, slow-release barrier that locks in moisture throughout the night. Its thick, ointment-like formula stays on the eye longer than standard drops, ensuring continuous hydration and soothing relief for intense dry eye symptoms. By applying Refresh PM® just before you go to bed, you’ll wake up with eyes that feel refreshed and ready for the day, ensuring you no longer experience morning discomfort or need heavy daytime eye drops. 

Allergy Relief

Allergy season can bring on itchy, watery eyes that flare up at the slightest hint of pollen, dust, or pet dander, making it hard to concentrate or simply enjoy the outdoors. Instead of constantly rubbing and rinsing, an antihistamine eye drop can target the root cause of your discomfort by blocking the chemicals that trigger these reactions. 

Pataday®

Pataday® is an effective, doctor-recommended solution for anytime use, with many users applying it first thing in the morning and then again in the evening to maintain all-day relief. It works by preventing the effects of histamine release, the primary driver behind itching and tearing during an allergic response. With a single application providing up to 24 hours of protection, Pataday® keeps your eyes calm and clear so you can enjoy the outdoors without the constant urge to rub or wipe away tears. 

Choosing the Right OTC Eye Drops & When to See a Professional

Selecting the most effective eye drops starts with pinpointing the root of discomfort. If you experience occasional dryness, grittiness, or intermittent blurriness, a mild lubricant like Refresh Relieva® PF during the day or a thicker cushion such as Refresh Optive® GEL around the clock can restore comfort. When your eyes feel parched from long hours at the computer or gaming console, Refresh Digital® PF steps in with fast‑acting relief formulated specifically for reduced blink rates in front of screens. For severe dryness that intensifies overnight, Refresh PM® builds an overnight moisture shield so you wake up refreshed. And if itchy, watery eyes are your main complaint during allergy season, Pataday® delivers up to 24‑hour, antihistamine‑based relief with just one or two applications per day.

Once you’ve matched your symptoms to the right category, it’s important to use each product exactly as directed. Always wash your hands before handling drops, avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or skin, and keep the cap tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination. Pay attention to any preservative warnings, especially if you have sensitive eyes, and discard bottles when they reach their expiration date.

While OTC eye drops can address most mild to moderate eye symptoms, persistent or worsening issues warrant professional attention. If you notice increasing redness, pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or vision changes that don’t improve within a week or using the appropriate drops, schedule an evaluation at Clarkson Eyecare. Our doctors can identify underlying causes like blepharitis, infection, or more serious eye conditions and recommend targeted treatments to get you back to clear, comfortable vision.