How Long Does It Take for Eye Drops to Work for Dry Eyes?

Sep 1, 2024

Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable, and eye drops are often the first choice for relief. But how long these drops take to start working can vary. The effectiveness of eye drops depends on a few factors, including the type of drops you use and the severity of your symptoms.  

How the type of eye drops affects relief 

Eye drops come in different formulations to address different aspects of dry eye discomfort: 

Lubricating drops 

These are usually the quickest way to find relief. Lubricating drops, also known as artificial tears, are available over the counter. They add moisture to the surface of your eyes, which helps to soothe irritation almost immediately. You should start feeling some relief within a few minutes after using them. They’re great for everyday use and can help keep your eyes feeling comfortable throughout the day. However, keep in mind that these drops only offer temporary relief and don’t address the underlying cause of your dry eyes. 

Anti-inflammatory drops 

These drops help reduce inflammation and encourage your eyes to produce more tears. They’re helpful for more persistent or severe cases of dry eyes. Unlike lubricating drops, they might take a bit longer—usually around 15 to 30 minutes—to start making a difference. Over time, they can help improve your overall comfort by addressing the inflammation that’s causing your symptoms. 

Prescription drops 

For more severe or chronic dry eye issues, your eye doctor might prescribe medicated eye drops. These are tailored to your specific needs and can be more effective for serious symptoms. Depending on the formulation, they might provide relief relatively quickly or take some more time. Your eye care professional will help determine the best option based on your specific needs.  

Gel or ointment drops  

These thicker drops are often used for more intense dryness or overnight relief. They provide a longer-lasting layer of moisture but can be too thick for daytime use. While they may not offer immediate relief like lubricating drops, they can be effective for severe dryness, especially when used before bed. 

How the severity of dry eyes influences relief 

The time it takes for eye drops to work can also depend on how serious your dry eye symptoms are: 

  • Mild dryness: If your dry eyes are only mildly uncomfortable, lubricating drops are usually sufficient for quick relief. You’ll likely start to feel some relief within minutes of using them. However, if the discomfort persists or worsens, you might need additional treatments or a different type of eye drops. 
  • Moderate dryness: For moderate dryness, lubricating drops might still provide some relief, but you might need to use them more frequently. If you need drops throughout the day to lubricate your eyes, it could be a sign that you’re dealing with chronic dry eye. In these situations, anti-inflammatory or prescription drops might be beneficial. These eye drops take a bit longer to show results but can address underlying issues more effectively. 
  • Severe dryness: For severe dry eye symptoms, you might not get sufficient relief from lubricating drops alone. In these cases, it’s often necessary to use a combination of treatments. Anti-inflammatory or prescription drops can be more effective for managing severe symptoms and addressing the underlying causes of dryness. These drops may take several days or weeks to show significant improvement, but they can help manage chronic discomfort and improve your overall eye health. 

When to reach out to your eye doctor 

If your eye drops don’t seem to be helping or your symptoms worsen, it’s a good idea to talk to your eye doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing your dry eyes and suggest other treatments that might work better for you. 

Newport Eye Care offers dry eye treatment in Waterville and Newport to help manage dry eyes, from Bruder heated masks and HypoChlor spray to punctal plugs and EZ Tears™ omega-3 supplements. One innovative treatment option we provide is TearCare®. This treatment uses targeted heat to unclog blocked meibomian glands, improving natural oil production and tear quality. For more severe cases, PROKERA® offers a unique treatment using a natural amniotic membrane to promote healing and reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye. 

Understanding how different types of eye drops work and considering the severity of your symptoms can help you make the best choices for your eye care. If you’re unsure about the best treatment for your needs, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our optometrists in Waterville or Newport, Maine.  

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