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Eye Drops for very dry eyes. Recommendations

(61 Posts)
mumski Mon 02-Feb-26 18:51:56

I had an operation on my eye last year and now have very dry eyes.
Can anyone recommend eye drops which will help with this? I've been using off the shelf from for example Sainsburys and Morrisons, but they aren't very effective after a few minutes.
Thank you for any help.

Tina1957 Thu 05-Feb-26 14:29:54

I use hykosan,from boots also can use up to six months.

theworriedwell Thu 05-Feb-26 14:47:30

I use HyloForte I get it on prescription so don't know if you can get it without a prescription. Consultant originally prescribed it and he said not to use the ones with preservatives and to take flaxseed supplements.

agingrapidly Thu 05-Feb-26 15:45:59

Hi. After cataract surgery I had very dry eyes. My optician and GP prescribed Hylo Forte for daytime use, Hylo night gel, a heated eye mask followed by eye massages, and also taking Omega 3 daily. It all helps to keep it at bay - and if I don't take the Omega 3, I feel the difference!😅 Also, sunglasses on when outdoors too! Good luck! 👁

MT62 Thu 05-Feb-26 15:49:45

Iam64

YourvGP will prescribe good day moisturiser drops and most importantly, night ointment

In addition, 3-4 times a day lie down with a warm wet flannel over yiur eyes
Yes, life long I’m afraid

She will be lucky if Gp prescribes those type of meds, mine has knocked mine off 😩

4allweknow Thu 05-Feb-26 16:18:30

pably15 I was prescribed carbomer gel for years to help with "dry " eyes. The gel was to help clear tear ducts which being blocked prevented the natural fluid produced to clear away. I know saying "dry eyes" is a contradiction in terms when meaning too much fluid. Don't know if OP is meaning she has crusty, itchy eyes and looking for something to soften, relieve itch.

Quercus Thu 05-Feb-26 16:20:51

My optician suggested that hylo-forte drops are longer lasting than many. May be worth trying. GP used to prescribe them for my mother after her eye surgery perhaps yours would too.

Polwal Fri 06-Feb-26 10:31:07

Hycosan...I get mine from the opticians but you can get on the internet. They have different ones. Most of the supermarket ones are more like water these feel oily if you put a drop on your fingers. They really lubricate and stay. The optician recommended. I tried the supermarket ones first as they are cheaper but had to get the Hycosan. They are easier to use too, only one drop drops out at a time.

watermeadow Fri 06-Feb-26 20:39:36

I’m surprised at bottles of Hyco-san lasting 6 months and people using drops twice daily. I get through a bottle every month and need to use them 4 or 5 times daily. I also have to ration the time I read and embroider every day or my eyes become blurred for days on end.
Should I be asking for the purple box of Hyco-san to manage my dry eyes?

mantaray Thu 26-Feb-26 14:43:57

My doctor prescribed Artelac Nightime Gel for very sore dry eyes. It says on the packet that its for use at night, but the doctor said I could use it during the day and just wait for my eyes to clear before driving. It has made such a difference, because as it is thick it coats the eye and keeps it moist for much longer.

Susie42 Thu 26-Feb-26 14:56:01

I use GelTear which was given to me by the local eye hospital and it’s made by Bausch & Lom. Boots sell the same but under a different name.