Dry eye disease is one of the most common reasons patients visit their eye doctor, yet it’s often misunderstood and undertreated. With so many artificial tears on the market, choosing the right option can feel overwhelming. One of the most important differences among artificial tears is viscosity. Understanding the difference between low viscosity and high viscosity artificial tears can help you find better relief and recognize when it’s time to see your eye doctor for advanced care.

What Are Artificial Tears?

Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops designed to supplement your natural tears, reduce irritation, and protect the surface of the eye. They are commonly used to treat dry eye symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurry vision, and a gritty or foreign-body sensation.

Not all artificial tears are the same. Beyond preservatives and ingredients, viscosity plays a key role in how the drops feel and how long they last on the eye.

Low Viscosity Artificial Tears

Low viscosity artificial tears are thinner and more watery. They spread quickly across the eye surface and closely mimic natural tears.

Benefits of low viscosity drops include:

• Minimal impact on vision

• Comfortable for frequent use

• Ideal for mild or occasional dry eye symptoms

• Convenient for daytime use and contact lens wearers (depending on formulation)

Because they are thinner, low viscosity drops tend to evaporate quickly and may need to be applied several times throughout the day. For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, these drops may not provide lasting relief.

High Viscosity Artificial Tears

High viscosity artificial tears are thicker and gel-like. They stay on the eye longer, providing extended lubrication and surface protection.

Benefits of high viscosity drops include:

• Longer-lasting symptom relief

• Better protection for moderate to severe dry eye

• Helpful for nighttime dryness or exposure

The thicker consistency can cause temporary blurred vision after instillation. For this reason, many patients prefer to use high viscosity drops in the evening or before bed.

Which Is More Effective?

The answer depends on the cause and severity of your dry eye.

• Mild or situational dry eye (screen use, air conditioning, occasional irritation): Low viscosity artificial tears are often effective.

• Moderate to severe dry eye, chronic symptoms, or surface damage: High viscosity artificial tears typically provide better relief.

However, if you find yourself using artificial tears frequently with little improvement, this may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires professional evaluation.

When Artificial Tears Aren’t Enough

Dry eye is often more complex than simply “not enough tears.” Many patients suffer from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands in the eyelids don’t function properly. This leads to rapid tear evaporation, making even frequent artificial tear use ineffective.

You should schedule an eye exam if:

• Your symptoms persist despite regular use of artificial tears

• You experience fluctuating or blurry vision

• Your eyes feel dry and watery at the same time

• You have eyelid inflammation or crusting

At Green Eye Care, we offer advanced diagnostics and treatments for dry eye, including:

• Targeted treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction

• In-office therapies for moderate to severe dry eye

• Amniotic membrane therapy for advanced ocular surface disease

• Scleral lenses for severe dry eye, corneal disease, or post-surgical dryness

These treatments address the root cause of dry eye rather than just masking symptoms.

Take the Next Step at Green Eye Care

Low viscosity and high viscosity artificial tears both play an important role in dry eye management, but neither is a one-size-fits-all solution. While low viscosity drops are ideal for mild, occasional dryness, high viscosity options provide longer-lasting relief for more persistent symptoms. If artificial tears are no longer effective - or if you rely on them multiple times a day - it’s time to look deeper at the underlying cause of your dry eye.

If dry eye symptoms are affecting your comfort or vision, schedule a dry eye evaluation at Green Eye Care to find personalized solutions. Call 347-757-5475 or visit our website at www.greeneyeharlem.com/book-online to book an appointment today.