Which Eye Drop is Best for Me?

If you’re searching for the best eye drops for dry eyes, allergies, or irritation in Boulder, Louisville, or Longmont, Colorado, you’re not alone. Eye discomfort is common in our dry climate, and with so many over-the-counter options available, choosing the right product can be confusing. In this guide, Ken Kreidl, MD explains the most common causes of eye irritation and how to choose the most effective treatments.

The eye drop section of your local pharmacy or supermarket can be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to find the right solution for dry eyes, allergies, or irritation in Colorado’s dry climate. Some stores offer more than 100 different options, each designed to treat specific conditions.

Common Causes of Eye Irritation

Before discussing which eye drops to choose, let’s look at the most common causes of eye irritation I see in patients at Boulder Medical Center.

• Dry eyes — the most common cause of eye irritation, burning, and redness that I see in my Boulder eye clinic
• Blepharitis — eyelid inflammation caused by blockage of the tear glands. Also referred to as meibomian gland dysfunction or ocular rosacea
• Allergic conjunctivitis — eye inflammation caused by allergies
• Viral conjunctivitis — inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball, caused by a viral infection

Over-The-Counter Eye Drops

The most common eye drops I recommend—especially in Colorado’s dry climate—are lubricating drops, also known as artificial tears. These help restore moisture to the eye, similar to how lotion protects dry skin.

Choosing the right drop is often a personal preference. Many patients do well with brands such as Systane®, Refresh®, or Soothe XP®, but no single product works best for everyone. Differences in ingredients and thickness can affect comfort and effectiveness.

Preservatives in some eye drops can occasionally cause irritation, so preservative-free options may be a better choice for those with sensitive eyes.

For blepharitis, symptoms may include redness, irritation, styes, or burning of the eyelids. Treatment typically includes warm compresses and gentle eyelid cleansing (such as diluted baby shampoo or Ocusoft®). Drops like Systane Balance® or Retaine MGD® are formulated to support this condition.

If your symptoms are related to allergies, antihistamine drops such as ketotifen (Alaway®, Zaditor®) can help relieve itching and irritation. These are generally safe for use twice daily during allergy season.

For more severe dry eye that doesn’t improve with standard drops, lubricating gels or ointments may be recommended. Because these can cause temporary blurry vision, they are best used at bedtime.

Prescription Eye Medications

If over-the-counter drops or ointments don’t provide enough relief, prescription treatment may be needed. Two commonly prescribed options for chronic dry eye are Restasis® and Xiidra®.

Restasis® (cyclosporine) works by reducing inflammation in the eye and lacrimal glands, helping increase natural tear production over time. It may take several weeks to a few months to notice improvement.

Xiidra® (lifitegrast) is a newer prescription drop that targets inflammation by blocking a specific protein on the surface of the eye, which can interfere with healthy tear production.

Both medications can be effective, but they may be costly and are not always covered by insurance. Your eye doctor can help determine whether prescription drops—or other treatments—are the best next step based on your symptoms.

Drops to Avoid

It’s best to avoid decongestant eye drops such as Visine®, Naphcon®, Opcon®, or Clear Eyes® when treating dry eyes. These products are often marketed for redness relief, but they work by constricting blood vessels in the eye. While this may temporarily improve appearance, they can actually worsen dryness and irritation over time. With frequent use, they may also lead to rebound redness, making symptoms harder to control.

Some products can provide short-term relief, but it’s important to understand that dry eye is often linked to underlying health conditions or medications. An annual eye exam can help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide more effective, long-term treatment.

Next: What Are Your Eye Drops Made Of?

Let’s Talk

If you’re struggling with an eye condition and aren’t finding relief, make an appointment at my eye clinic in Boulder and let’s find a solution.