What it is
Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops sold without a prescription. They add moisture to the surface of the eye and may bring temporary comfort for some people. They are designed to supplement the tear film, not to address every reason the eye may feel dry.
Dry eye, often called dry eye disease or ocular surface disease, can involve more than a lack of tears. The tear film has water, oil and mucus layers, and trouble with any of them, or with the eyelids, the surface of the eye, or the glands that make oil, can lead to burning, grittiness, redness, blurred vision or watery eyes.
When drops don't seem to help, it may mean the underlying driver is something drops alone don't reach. Examples people discuss with eye doctors include eyelid gland problems, inflammation, incomplete blinking, certain medications, contact lens wear, environmental factors, or conditions that affect the whole body. Only a clinician can tell what is going on in your eyes.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Dry eye care has traditionally begun with lubricating drops, gels or ointments, along with everyday habits such as taking breaks from screens, paying attention to humidity and airflow, and warm compresses or lid hygiene. Many people try several brands before seeing an eye doctor.
When those steps aren't enough, eye doctors have traditionally looked more closely at the cause. This may include examining the eyelids and oil glands, checking the tear film and the eye's surface, and reviewing medications and health history. Prescription eye drops, in-office procedures, and other approaches are among the options clinicians may discuss, depending on the findings.
For some people with more stubborn or severe dry eye, clinicians may talk about specialty options such as autologous serum tears or amniotic-derived drops. Autologous serum tears are compounded by a pharmacy from the patient's own blood and are not an FDA-approved drug. Most amniotic-derived eye drops and serums are also not FDA-approved as drugs, while some amniotic membrane devices are regulated as human tissue products, which is a different pathway. Whether any of these is appropriate is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
How the right eye doctor may help
The right eye doctor may help by looking for the reason drops aren't working rather than simply trying more of them. A dry eye evaluation generally includes questions about your symptoms, daily habits, medications, contact lens use and overall health, followed by an exam of the eyelids, tear film and eye surface.
If your symptoms suggest something broader, such as dry mouth, joint pain or other body-wide concerns, a provider may talk with you about whether an autoimmune cause such as Sjögren's should be explored, sometimes with input from other specialists. This is a conversation to have with a clinician, not something to conclude on your own.
Helpful questions to bring: What do you think is driving my dry eye? Why might artificial tears not be enough for me? What options exist, and what are the pros and cons of each? If a specialty product like serum tears or an amniotic-derived product is mentioned, ask about its source, how it is processed, its FDA or regulatory status, and the total cost. Bring the names of the drops you've tried and how often you've used them.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress influence each other. Ongoing eye discomfort can be tiring and frustrating, and stress, poor sleep and long hours of focused screen time can make eyes feel worse or make symptoms harder to ignore. Looking after sleep, rest and daily routines may be a helpful part of a whole-person approach alongside professional eye care.
If the worry or frustration of living with chronic discomfort is weighing on you, body-based support such as Somatic Experiences may appeal to some people, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus is another path. These are complements to, not replacements for, an eye doctor's evaluation.
Keep in mind
- Only a licensed eye doctor can determine the cause of your symptoms and what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- Eye pain, sudden vision changes, light sensitivity, a feeling of something stuck in the eye, or marked redness should be checked promptly by a licensed professional; for emergencies call 911.
- Autologous serum tears and most amniotic-derived drops are not FDA-approved drugs, and no product is guaranteed to work for everyone.
- If distress about your health feels overwhelming, call or text the 988 Lifeline. This page is educational only and is not medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is my dry eye not responding to artificial tears?
Artificial tears add lubrication, but they may not address the underlying cause of your dry eye. Issues such as eyelid oil gland problems, surface inflammation, medications or body-wide conditions can keep symptoms going. A licensed eye doctor can examine your eyes to look for what may be contributing.
What should I do if artificial tears don't help my dry eyes?
Consider scheduling an evaluation with a licensed eye doctor rather than continuing to guess. Bring a list of the drops you've tried, how often you use them, and your medications. The doctor can discuss what may be going on and which options, if any, make sense for you.
Are there other dry eye treatment options besides artificial tears?
Yes, eye doctors may discuss several dry eye treatment options, including prescription drops, lid care, in-office procedures and, in some cases, specialty products. Which are appropriate depends on an exam and your health history. Only a licensed clinician can decide that for you.
Are autologous serum tears FDA-approved?
No, autologous serum tears are not an FDA-approved drug. They are compounded by a pharmacy from the patient's own blood. Ask an eye doctor whether they could be appropriate for you, and about the source, processing and total cost.
Are amniotic eye drops FDA-approved for dry eye?
Most amniotic-derived eye drops and serums are not FDA-approved as drugs. Some amniotic membrane devices are regulated as human tissue products, which is a different regulatory pathway. Ask a licensed eye doctor about the specific product's regulatory status, and note that these are not stem-cell treatments and no outcome is guaranteed.
Could dry eye that won't improve be a sign of something else?
Sometimes persistent dry eye is linked to eyelid conditions, medications or conditions affecting the whole body, including autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's. Only a licensed professional can evaluate that. If you also notice dry mouth or joint discomfort, mention it at your visit.
Educational resource. Placenta-Derived Eye Serum shares general information and connects people with independent eye doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.