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  • Should I use prescription drops and artificial tears for my dry eye?


    Question:

    I am applying steroid drops in my eyes for dry eyes. Should I apply over-the-counter drops for dry eyes also?


    Answer:

    Topical steroid drops are sometimes used short-term in patients who have moderate to severe dry eyes to reduce the inflammation on the ocular surface. But these drops do not replace artificial tears. Artificial tears are the best option for providing relief in the moment for dryness symptoms. Your ophthalmologist may recommend preservative-free artificial tears when also taking topical steroids to reduce the overall preservative exposure.


    Answered By:

    Dry Eye