Optimal Relief: The Best Nighttime Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

There are many reasons why you may get dry eyes at night only and not in the day. But if you’re tired of waking up with dry, irritated eyes, we have some information that can help you find the best nighttime dry eye treatment. 

The Causes of Dry Eyes at Night

Sometimes there’s an easy solution to prevent dry eyes at night, and that starts with understanding the causes. Don’t feel bad if you do the following—these are very common habits and causes that can lead to nighttime dry eyes:

• Wearing contact lenses while you sleep – Contacts can leave you with dry eyes, so if you’re a contact wearer and are experiencing dry eyes at night, take out your contacts before bed several nights in a row and see if you feel a difference.
• The air in your bedroom is too dry – This is a common cause of nighttime eye dryness, especially because you’re not blinking to replenish tears while you sleep. Run a cool-mist humidifier to keep the air in your bedroom between 30% to 50%.
• Not getting enough nutrients or water during the day – Being dehydrated can affect tear production, so be sure to get enough fluids daily and eat a healthy diet that contains eye-supporting nutrients like omega-3s and vitamins A, C, D and E.
• Work habits during the day– If your work requires extended periods of focus—such as hours driving, doing assembly work or working on screens—your eyes may be drying out because you’re not looking away or blinking enough, or they are strained for periods of time. 

Sometimes medications or medical conditions can cause dry eyes too, so you’ll want to talk to your doctor if this is a sudden or ongoing problem. 

Best Drops for Dry Eyes at Night

Since you’re here reading our blog, chances are you’re interested in finding the best eye drops for nighttime dry eyes. There are a few different types of nighttime eye drops on the market. The best one for you depends on your preferences and sleep habits. 

First and foremost, if your problem is nighttime eye dryness then you will likely want eye drops that are formulated for overnight use. These types of eye drops use formulations that are different from daytime ones, and when applied feel thicker to help moisturize and protect your eyes while you sleep. 

For example, TheraTears® Liquid Gel Nighttime Dry Eye Therapy has a soothing, electrolyte-balanced, hypotonic formula that mimics natural tears to delivery lasting relief while you sleep.

Main ingredients in typical nighttime dry eye treatments include:

• Glycerin – Used in nighttime eye drops and in combination with other ingredients in some gel drops, glycerin is a lubricant, humectant and demulcent. That means it acts as a barrier that minimizes friction, hydrates eyes and relieves irritation.
• Hypromellose & Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose – You’ll typically see one of these as the main ingredient in nighttime eye gels or gel drops. Hypromellose is a polymer that coats and protects the eye, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose is a demulcent and thickening agent.
• Povidone – Used in some nighttime eye gels, this is a lipid and demulcent for reducing tear evaporation, lubricating and soothing eyes.  
• Mineral Oil & White Petrolatum – These are often used either alone or together in eye ointments. Mineral oil seals in moisture while the petrolatum contributes to the eye’s oil layer. Some people are allergic to mineral oil, so if you typically have allergies to certain ingredients, please check with your doctor first before trying a new product. 

While all these ingredients can be effective, the best nighttime eye drops for you come down to your personal preference and needs. If you get up in the middle of the night, choose a drop instead of a gel that could blur your vision Some gel drops won’t blur your vision either, but some do, and unfortunately, you won’t know until you try them. 

Lubricating ointments for dry eyes are thicker and can be goopy, especially if they contain white petrolatum. They can be more uncomfortable or awkward to apply since you need to squeeze the ointment into the inside of the eyelid and it doesn’t come out as easily as drops do.

Tips for Using Eye Drops

You can use eye drops alone to help with nighttime dry eyes or use them as part of a more complete nighttime eye care routine. Such a routine might include applying a warm compress before putting in eye drops or gently cleansing your eyes each night. Read “The Importance of Nighttime Eye Care” for more tips. 

You can also use a nighttime eye drop before bed and another eye drop to relieve dryness or redness that occurs in the daytime. Our TheraTears® Dry Eye Therapy lubricant eye drops soothe and relieve redness as well as help protect against further eye irritation. So, if you have been dealing with burning, red eyes during the day, get maximum strength relief with these drops.

To avoid contamination which could lead to eye infection, always follow these three tips: 

• Wash your hands before using.
• Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, finger or any other surface.
• Do not share your eye drops with anyone else, even within your family.

And, no matter what type of eye drop, gel or ointment you use, be sure to follow the instructions.