Eye drops you can buy over the counter may be a good option if you have a mild case of dry eye, as long as you follow the labeling. Some drops may contain chemicals that can cause side effects, and some causes of dry eyes require medical care.

If you suddenly experience dry eyes, over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops may provide quick relief. You might need to use them several times a day to lubricate your eyes while you experience the discomfort.

But OTC eye drops may come with their own set of risks and side effects, especially if you have dry eye. Some drops could contain chemicals that aren’t meant for long-term use. Because of this, you need to be careful to only use a certain amount of drops every day and for a short period of time.

Lubricating eye drops, also called artificial tears, usually come in two types: eye drops with preservatives and preservative-free eye drops.

Eye drops that contain preservatives have a longer shelf life. Preservatives are chemicals that prevent bacteria from growing. This allows you to use one bottle of eye drops for a longer period of time.

However, the preservatives in OTC eye drops can worsen eye irritation in some cases. Eye specialists typically recommend using this type of eye drop no more than four times a day.

Preservative-free eye drops come in multiple one-time-use vials. After you apply one dose of the drops, you must throw away the vial. Since this type of eye drop is not shelf-stable, you have to purchase it more frequently.

Single-use drops are helpful if you have severe dry eye and need more than four applications per day. However, if you have a chronic condition that causes your dry eyes, it’s a good idea to ask a doctor if OTC eye drops are the best option for you. They may recommend adjusting the number of times you use them or may recommend prescription medication instead.

OTC eye drops are not usually associated with serious risks. But a bottle of eye drops contains many ingredients, including preservatives and thickeners, and these may irritate your eyes in the long term, depending on the cause of dryness and discomfort.

Other possible risks of eye drops include contamination and loose safety seals.

Preservatives

Preservatives give eye drops a longer shelf life for added convenience. However, these chemicals can irritate the eyes.

If you use eye drops with preservatives, you should apply no more than four doses in one day.

If your dry eye is severe, you might need more than four doses per day.

In this case, ask an eye doctor about alternatives for the long-term management of dry eye, including preservative-free eye drops. It’s also important to check the label of your eye drops carefully.

Contamination

The tip of the eye drop bottle can become contaminated if it touches your eye or another surface. Caution is advised when using eye drop bottles.

Replace the lid as soon as you finish applying the drops, and be careful not to touch the tip of the bottle with your hands or eye. It’s also a good idea to read the instructions and warnings on the label to avoid other sources of possible contamination.

Loose safety seals

Be careful about purchasing OTC eye drops with loose seals or rings. Some bottles have loose-fitting parts that have landed in users’ eyes.

Normally, the safety seals should remain attached to the bottle. If they’re loose, they can cause injury. Pay attention to the type of bottle you’re purchasing. Try to find one with a firmly attached safety seal or ring.

Be aware that artificial tears sometimes have side effects. For example, cloudy vision can occur temporarily just after application. You shouldn’t operate a vehicle or machinery for several minutes after applying eye drops.

You should also be on alert for allergic reactions. Anaphylactic allergic reactions to medication might include:

  • hives
  • swelling
  • wheezing
  • dizziness
  • vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the product and get medical help immediately.

OTC eye drops are a good option if you have a mild case of dry eyes, as long as you pay attention to the label. Follow these tips for using eye drops safely:

  • If you purchase eye drops with preservatives, don’t exceed four doses per day.
  • If you buy single-use eye drops, throw away the vial immediately after each use, even if you didn’t use all of it.
  • Keep an eye out for side effects, and use good hygiene with your bottle of eye drops.

Talk with a doctor if you experience side effects, or if your eye drops stop helping your symptoms. If you find yourself needing eye drops on a regular basis, it’s important to see your doctor for further evaluation.