Medicines for Dry Eye & Eye Inflammation

About Dry Eye & Eye Inflammation

Dry eye happens when the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears dry too quickly. Eyes feel gritty, burning, tired or watery, and it is common with screen use, dust, air conditioning, contact lenses and age.

Eye inflammation can also follow eye surgery such as cataract surgery, or come with allergies, and needs treatment to settle comfortably.

Medicines used for Dry Eye & Eye Inflammation

Dry eyes are eased with lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) such as carboxymethylcellulose, hypromellose and sodium hyaluronate, used several times a day. After eye surgery, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drops such as prednisolone, loteprednol, nepafenac or ketorolac for a few weeks. Steroid eye drops should only be used under an eye doctor's care.

When to see a doctor

See an eye doctor if dryness does not improve with drops, or if you have eye pain, reduced vision, sensitivity to light or a red eye after surgery.

This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.