Best Over-the-Counter Eye Drops of 2025, According to Ophthalmologists and Optometrists

Why we like it: The iVizia eye drops are a favorite among ophthalmologists. These artificial tear eye drops come in a small bottle and are intended for dry eyes, but they're multipurpose and can work for just about any eye issue. 

Dr. Thomas Stokkermans, an optometrist and medical reviewer at All About Vision, said, "These drops have one of my preferred lubricants in it known as povidone and the high-technology dispenser has a filter in it to prevent contamination, and allows the artificial tears to be preservative-free and dispensed from a multiuse container." 

Who it's best for: According to Dr. Natalya Rooney, optometrist and owner of Merrick Avenue Optometry, another great aspect of these drops is their versatility and efficiency. "These drops can also be used with contact lenses and the size of the drop is smaller than other artificial tears which makes it easy to not waste drops," she said. 

One user on Amazon with a condition that causes complete eye closure and dryness said IVIZIA is the only eye drop that has helped them. "For the price, longevity and comfort, IVIZIA is my absolute favorite."

Why we like it: Systane is a trusted brand recommended by optometrists for those with dry eyes. As someone who's struggled with dry eye symptoms, this product is my usual go-to. The Systane eye drops come in a small bottle and work for up to eight hours and are ideal for dry, sensitive eyes. The bottle is designed to dispense nano droplets so you don't waste any product. They’re also safe for regular use, as they’re free of preservatives and carry a lower risk of toxicity.

Who it's best for: Dr. Koetting said she likes these drops for all kinds of dry eyes, and they're also safe to use during pregnancy, which can bring on a case of dryness.

One user on Amazon raves about Systane eye drops and claims they're the only eye drops that work for them. They use the drops morning, afternoon and evening and said, "I notice almost instant relief, and I really do like the design of the dropper because it minimizes the drop that I have to put in my eye and increases the life of the bottle."

If you're prone to red eyes, it's important to know what's causing them before self-medicating. Koetting said that "if someone has red eyes, it is typically a symptom of something else, such as more severe dry eye disease and is a good idea to see an eye care professional, especially if there is any sudden pain with it." 

Dr. John Sheppard, an ophthalmologist and professor of ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School, agrees and advises avoiding vasoconstrictor eye drops with naphazoline, a decongestant that's usually found in OTC eye drops like Visine or Clear Eyes. This ingredient is also known to restrict blood flow, which can cause high blood pressure. 

Why we like it: "These types of drops induce dependency, so I prefer Lumify," said Dr. Sheppard. If you've cleared with your doctor that it's appropriate to use OTC drops for redness, Lumify is a solid choice. Lumify is a small bottle that contains brimonidine, which is commonly used in glaucoma medication. It also helps reduce pressure and fluid in the eyes.

Who it's best for: As long as you aren't dealing with an infection or other medical complication, Lumify is safe to use, especially if you're looking to reduce eye redness fast. 

One Amazon, one reviewer loves Lumify because of how quickly it works, saying, "They work incredibly fast -- within minutes, my eyes go from red and tired to bright and refreshed." Additionally, he likes that it doesn't cause rebound redness, unlike some other brands.

Why we like it: If you use contact lenses, you're probably used to having dry eyes when you wear them for too long. That's why it's important to rewet them throughout the day. Blink eye drops come in a small bottle and are popular lubricating eye drops for contact lens users. These drops can be used before inserting your contacts or after. Blink contacts aren't preservative-free and include an ingredient known as OcuPure which is a gentle oxidative preservative made up of sodium chloride and other ingredients that transform into natural tear components in the eye.

Who it's best for: This is one of Dr. Stokkermans' top eye drop picks. "I like Blink Contacts because it has a good preservative [OcuPure] that does not cause as much eye problems," he said. If you're not sure if Blink Eye Drops are right for your contact needs, consult with your eye doctor first.

One Amazon user who is a fan of the drops loves that these eye drops save them from the dry weather in their hometown. "It is easy to use and pop into your pocket to have at all times because you never know when you will need it with contacts ... living in the desert!"

Why we like it: I personally like the single vials Systane offers: They're easy to toss in your bag when you're on the go and they're less wasteful. Systane's Hydration PF eye drops differ from our other top pick, Systane Complete PF eye drops, because the former is more for those who need to regularly hydrate their eyes during recovery. 

These hydration drops are Koetting's top pick for patients who've had LASIK eye surgery because they provide long-lasting relief and have the necessary extra moisturizing hydration components. One Amazon user swears by these drops and says the hydration works well for him, saying: "I have tried about 10 different drops over the past four or five years for my dry eyes and Systane Hydration works the best for me." He adds: "They have a longer shelf life once they’re open than most due to the design of the bottle cap."

Who it's best for: One of the post-surgery side effects of LASIK or cataract eye surgery is dry eyes. Systane’s Hydration PF eye drops are a safe choice to help relieve dryness after eye surgery.

Why we like it: "Pataday extra strength is a pretty effective drop and all you need to do is apply it once daily to each eye," Dr. Rooney said. If you're uncertain if Pataday will work for your allergy condition, remember to consult with your doctor in case you are a better candidate for a medicated option. One Amazon user who is loyal to Pataday said they were dealing with dry eyes caused by allergies until they tried Pataday. They said, "my optometrist suggested I try Pataday and I gave it a few weeks before I started really noticing something." They added that it's been a bit over a month now and they can comfortably wear my contacts again without experiencing dryness.

Who it's best for: Allergy sufferers know that allergy season can wreak havoc on eyes. That's why having dependable eye drops on hand can be helpful. Pataday Once Daily Relief Allergy Eye Drops come in a small bottle and are recommended by physicians because they contain an antihistamine that offers fast symptom relief for mild to moderate allergies. They can tackle indoor and outdoor allergens like dander, pollen, ragweed and grass. If you use contact lenses, it's not advised you use these drops while wearing them, and if you do, you should wait 10 minutes after application before inserting them. 

Why we like it: The Optase Hylo Night Dry Eye Ointment comes in a tube and is a favorite of Koetting, who recommends this preservative-free drop meant for patients with certain sleeping conditions. "For those who have a CPAP machine or may sleep with eyes partially open, this ointment in particular is good because it has Vitamin A to help heal the front surface," she said. 

Optase is safe for everyday use and is applied to the eyelids before bed. People with moderate to severe dry eyes may find relief using this ointment regularly. If your eyes don't seem to improve after some time, speak with your doctor to find a better or stronger solution. On Amazon, a user with thyroid eye disease claims that Optase is the only eye ointment that has worked for them. They said, "I have TED and my eyelids no longer close all the way so nighttime eye ointment is now an everyday part of my life. I have tried all the over the counter brands and this brand is by far hands down the best."

Who it's best for: Sometimes overnight drops are necessary when your eyes need extra lubrication. Overnight drops are different from your standard eye drops. "Oftentimes a thicker gel or ointment may be recommended for overnight eight-hour relief while sleeping," said Dr. Nathan Lighthizer, an optometrist and associate dean at the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry.