If your eyes often feel dry, itchy, or tired from long hours in front of screens, you’re not alone. Many Malaysians are now searching for eye drops that provide quick relief. But with so many brands available, it can be confusing to know which is truly the best eye drop for your needs. Whether you’re dealing with dry eyes, redness, or irritation, daily use of the right eye drops can make a world of difference. In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of eye drops, how to choose one that’s right for you, and share a few best eye drop brands you can get today.
Different Types of Eye Drops and What They Do
Not all eye drops are created equal. Each type is designed to tackle different eye issues. Here’s a quick look at what’s out there:
| Type | What They’re For | Key Points |
| Lubricating / Artificial Tears | Relieve dry eyes, burning, or irritation | Great for daily use and frequent screen users. |
| Decongestant / Red-Eye Relief | Reduce redness from irritation or tiredness | Works short-term but can worsen dryness if overused. |
| Medicated Drops (Prescription) | Treat infections, allergies, or glaucoma | Only use with a doctor’s recommendation. |
Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, go for a lubricating artificial tear, which is safe for most users and widely available in Malaysia.
How To Choose The Right Eye Drops For You
1. Identify your concern
- Dry, tired eyes: Pick lubricating/artificial tear drops.
- Red eyes: Choose decongestant drops sparingly.
- Allergies or infections: Get a prescription before using medicated ones.
2. Preservative vs. Preservative-Free
If you plan to use drops several times a day, opt for preservative-free formulas to avoid irritation.
3. Consider your lifestyle
- Contact lens wearers should check if the drops are lens-safe.
- If you’re often in air-conditioned rooms, pick thicker or longer-lasting formulations.
Top Eye Drop Products You Can Buy
| Product | Approx. Price | When To Use | Risks / Side Effects |
| Rohto Eye Drops 15 ml | ~ RM 14.35 | For dry, strained eyes after screen or AC exposure | Cooling menthol may sting sensitive eyes |
| AiPharma Retane Eye Drops 0.88 ml × 30’s | ~ RM 39.60 | Daily lubrication; suitable for contact lens users | Avoid if you have active eye infections |
| AiPharma Qmoist Eye Drops 15 ml | ~ RM 20.00 | Mild dry eyes, air-conditioned environments | May cause slight sensitivity at first use |
| Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml | ~ RM 16.90 | For mild to moderate dry eyes; everyday use, after screen time, air-con, or wind exposure. | Contains preservatives. Frequent use may irritate sensitive eyes over time. |
| Optrex Rehydrating Eye Drops 10 ml | ~ RM 13.50–RM 18.97 | For refreshing and rehydrating dry, tired or irritated eyes; good for daily use and safe with contact lenses | May blur vision briefly after use; preservative content may not suit extremely sensitive eyes if used frequently |
| Systane Hydration Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml | ~ RM 58.00 | For moderate or chronic dry eye; helpful if you spend long hours in AC, air pollution, or dry environments; suitable for contact lens wearers | Lubricating drops may temporarily blur vision; preserved version may be less ideal for very frequent daily use |
| Systane Gel Drops 10 ml | ~ RM 33.90 | For severe or persistent dryness; good for nighttime or for people whose eyes dry out easily (e.g. long screen time, AC, dusty air). The thicker, gel-like formula helps retain moisture longer | Gel consistency may temporarily blur vision after application, especially if you blink slowly or don’t blink immediately |
| Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml | ~ RM 23.90 | For dry eyes caused by environmental stress, long hours on screen, AC, pollution, and wind. Good for frequent everyday use and safe with contact lenses | Contains preservative (unless unit-dose preservative-free version). Frequent use of preserved drops may increase the risk of irritation for sensitive eyes |
| Tears Naturale Free Lubricant Eye Drops 0.8 ml × 32’s | ~ RM 41.90 | For people with sensitive eyes or those needing frequent drops (e.g. heavy screen users, contact lens wearers). Preservative-free single-use vials are more hygienic and gentler | Single-use vials are more expensive per drop; if reused or improperly stored, the risk of contamination increases |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Eye Drops Cause Dry Eyes?
Surprisingly, yes. Overusing red-eye relief drops that contain decongestants can actually worsen dryness. These products constrict blood vessels to reduce redness, but long-term use can lead to rebound redness or irritation. If your eyes feel drier the more drops you use, switch to lubricating eye drops instead.
2. When Should You Use Eye Drops?
Use eye drops whenever you experience:
- Burning, gritty, or tired eyes after screen use
- Redness or discomfort after long exposure to air-conditioning
- Sensitivity to dust, smoke, or contact lenses
If you have sharp pain, discharge, or blurred vision, stop self-treating and consult an eye specialist instead.
3. Is It Safe To Use Eye Drops Every Day?
Generally yes. If you’re using lubricating or artificial tear types. These are formulated for daily use and can help relieve mild dry eyes safely. However, avoid daily use of medicated or red-eye drops unless prescribed. If your eyes need constant lubrication more than six times a day, you may need a check-up for chronic dryness or other eye conditions.
Keep Your Eyes Comfortable, One Drop At A Time
Choosing the best eye drops depends on understanding your eye’s needs, whether it’s dryness, redness, or sensitivity. For most people, daily use of eye drops like lubricating or preservative-free formulas is safe and effective. Keep your eyes fresh, bright, and comfortable—one drop at a time.
