Episode 20

full
Published on:

1st Apr 2026

STOP Using the Wrong Eye Drops - An Eye Doctor’s Guide to Dry Eye Drops

Dry eyes won’t improve if you’re using the wrong artificial tears. Most people are making common dry eye mistakes that actually make symptoms worse. In this episode of the Dr. Eye Health Podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen breaks down how to choose the best eye drops for dry eyes, including preservative-free artificial tears, lipid vs aqueous drops, and key ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Learn how to treat dry eye symptoms, reduce eye irritation, and improve blurry vision with the right strategy. If you struggle with chronic dry eye, burning eyes, red eyes, or screen-related dryness, this episode will help you find real relief and protect your eye health long-term.

In This Episode You Will Learn

✅ Why preservative-free artificial tears are critical for eye health

✅ The dangers of “get the red out” eye drops

✅ How to match eye drops to your type of dry eye

✅ Key ingredients to look for like hyaluronic acid and trehalose

✅ Why consistency matters more than switching brands

✅ When artificial tears can actually make dry eye worse

✅ Why eye drops are only the first step in treating dry eye

👉 Download the free Dry Eye Drop Guide -www.doctoreyehealth.com/eye-drop-download

Timestamps

(00:00) Dry Eyes Won’t Improve Until You Fix This

(00:45) Tip 1: Go preservative-free eye drops

(02:45) Tip 2: Avoid “get the red out” drops

(04:10) Tip 3: There is no single best eye drop

(05:15) Tip 4: Match the drop to your dry eye type

(07:40) Tip 5: Key ingredients to look for

(09:30) Tip 6: Why consistency is everything

(12:30) Tip 7: Don’t rely only on symptoms

(13:30) Tip 8: Use nighttime gel or ointment

(14:35) Tip 9: Switch strategy, not just brands

(15:20) Tip 10: Eye drops are not the full treatment

(16:25) Final thoughts and next steps

Want to Learn More About Eye Drops? 👇

If you’re still trying to figure out which eye drops are right for you or why your symptoms aren’t improving, check out these next videos:

👉 Why Do My Eyes Feel Worse After Eye Drops

https://youtu.be/BsBxiQFx3oQ

👉 5 Amazing Benefits of Manuka Honey Eye Drops

https://youtu.be/cbxuLYLE28Q

👉 The #1 Best Eye Drops for Itchy Eyes (Allergy Relief Guide)

https://youtu.be/QYvhmQgQxyQ

🤩 Download the free Dry Eye Drop Guide -www.doctoreyehealth.com/eye-drop-download

Key Takeaways

🔷 Not all artificial tears are the same, choosing the right type matters

🔷 Preservatives like BAK can worsen dry eye and damage the eye surface

🔷 Dry eye is multifactorial, treatment must match the underlying cause

🔷 Artificial tears help symptoms but don’t treat the root problem

Resources & Links

TFOS DEWS III: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40467022/

Ingredients; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8910031/

Formulations: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769079/

Evidence Based Guidance; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33401019/

Website: Doctor Eye Health https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/

YouTube: Doctor Eye Health https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth

Instagram: @doctoreyehealth https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth

TikTok: Doctor Eye Health https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth

Facebook: Doctor Eye Health https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth

LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen https://www.linkedin.com/

dry eyes, artificial tears, best eye drops for dry eyes, preservative free eye drops, dry eye treatment, eye health, blurry vision, eye irritation, lipid eye drops, aqueous dry eye, hyaluronic acid eye drops, eye doctor advice

DISCLAIMER:

This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Watching this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or eye care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor or health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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About the Podcast

Doctor Eye Health Podcast
Your eyes are talking. Learn to listen.


The Doctor Eye Health Podcast keeps eye care simple and practical.. Rooted in timeless clinical wisdom with modern optometry research, Dr. Joseph Allen, a board-certified eye doctor and trusted educator, delivers vision care tips that help you protect your eyesight for life.


This optometry podcast covers the topics people actually search for: dry eye routines that work, eye floater treatments, myopia control, cataracts, glaucoma, thyroid eye disease, and eye strain from screen time. You’ll also hear clear talk on blue light, contact lens hygiene, kids’ vision, nutrition for eye and brain health, red light therapy, smart eyewear, and when LASIK or other eye surgeries make sense. Whether you wear glasses or contacts, are preparing for an eye exam, study optometry, or just want daily eye health tips, you’ll find practical steps you can use at home and in the clinic.


Dr. Allen brings in world-class experts to explain what works, what doesn’t, and what’s still being studied. New content drops reliably: one in-depth interview each month and at least one bite-size weekly lesson with usable checklists, myth busting, and vision advice you can trust.


What you will learn
✅ How to build daily habits that reduce eye strain and protect vision
✅ Clear, evidence-based explainers on eye diseases and treatment options
✅ Which supplements and nutrition choices support eye and brain health
✅ How sleep, stress, hormones, and inflammation affect your eyesight
✅ What to ask your eye doctor and how to prep for exams or surgery
✅ The truth about blue light, red light therapy, smart eyewear, and LASIK


Tap follow and turn on notifications so the next episode is always in your line of sight. The Doctor Eye Health Podcast gives you trusted insight from a board-certified optometrist, approachable education that fits a normal day, and a balanced view that connects the clinic to everyday life. Stronger habits. Smarter choices. Healthier eyes.


About the Host

Dr. Joseph Allen is a board-certified optometrist and educator who makes eye health education simple and evidence-based. He connects vision, brain, sleep, and lifestyle so listeners can protect sight with confidence. On Doctor Eye Health, he blends classic clinical wisdom with current research and eye health tips you can use today.


Resource Links
Website: www.doctoreyehealth.com
YouTube: Doctor Eye Health
Instagram: @doctoreyehealth
TikTok: @doctoreyehealth
Facebook: Doctor Eye Health
LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen


Disclaimer: The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

About your host

Profile picture for Joseph Allen

Joseph Allen