Dry Eyes: Why Artificial Tears Alone Aren’t the Answer

Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye conditions, yet it remains frustrating for both patients and clinicians. If you’ve ever felt like your eyes are constantly burning, gritty, or irritated—and that over-the-counter drops don’t seem to help—you’re not alone.

For years, artificial tears have been marketed as the go-to solution for dry eyes. They line pharmacy shelves in countless formulations, promising quick relief. But here’s the truth: artificial tears are not a cure. At best, they provide temporary comfort, and at worst, they mask an underlying problem that goes untreated.

The Problem With Relying Solely on Artificial Tears

Artificial tears can certainly soothe dryness for a few minutes, but they don’t address the root cause of dry eye disease. In fact, most patients who rely on drops find themselves using them more and more frequently—without long-term improvement.

That’s because dry eye is a multifactorial disease. It can be caused or worsened by:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (poor oil production in the eyelids)

• Inflammation of the ocular surface

• Hormonal changes

• Environmental triggers (screen use, air conditioning, low humidity)

• Systemic health issues or medications

Artificial tears simply add moisture to the eye’s surface. They don’t fix oil gland dysfunction, they don’t reduce inflammation, and they don’t stabilize the tear film in a meaningful way.

This is why I strongly believe that artificial tears should be supplemental—not primary—treatment.

What Really Helps Manage Dry Eye Disease

To effectively manage dry eyes, you need a comprehensive approach that targets the underlying problem. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Eyelid hygiene & warm compresses – to unclog meibomian glands and restore oil flow.

• Omega-3 supplementation – to improve tear quality.

• Prescription medications (like cyclosporine or lifitegrast) – to reduce inflammation.

• In-office procedures – such as LipiFlow, IPL, or meibomian gland expression.

• Lifestyle changes – including screen breaks, hydration, and humidifier use.

Artificial tears may still play a role as a “comfort aid,” especially during flare-ups or in dry environments. But they should not be the foundation of treatment. Think of them like putting lotion on dry, cracked skin—you’ll get temporary relief, but if you never address what’s causing the dryness, the problem persists.

Why a Professional Dry Eye Evaluation Matters

As a dry eye specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how many patients struggle for years without answers—using endless bottles of artificial tears but never finding real relief. The truth is, every case of dry eye is different. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why getting a personalized dry eye evaluation is so important.

A thorough assessment allows us to pinpoint the underlying cause—whether it’s gland dysfunction, inflammation, or something else—and create a tailored treatment plan that goes beyond temporary fixes.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been battling dry eye and feel stuck in an endless cycle of artificial tears, it’s time to rethink your approach. Artificial tears can provide short-term comfort, but they should never be the only solution. The key to lasting relief is identifying and treating the root cause of your dry eye disease.

Your eyes deserve more than just a band-aid. The first step is a comprehensive dry eye evaluation—because once we understand the “why,” we can finally deliver the relief you’ve been searching for.

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