The Best Eye Drops for 2017

The best eye drops should target the root cause of your dry, red, or itchy eyes without worsening existing irritation. To find the best, we interviewed optometrists and ophthalmologists to get their take on preservatives, redness-reducers, and other common ingredients. Then we scrutinized labels and packaging and tried several popular brands for ourselves. Our top picks offer gentle, easy-to-apply relief.


Mydriacyl (Tropicamide) 1%
Mydriacyl is a popular medicine that is also commonly known under the generic name of Tropicamide ophthalmic. This medicine’s ingredients enable it to relax the eye’s muscles, dilating the pupil during an eye examination.

Flarex (Fluorometholone) Eye Drop
Fluorometholone is a steroid medicine. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.Fluorometholone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye swelling caused by infections, injury, surgery, or other conditions. Fluorometholone ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tobrex (Tobramycin) 0.03%
Tobradex is a drug combination between Tobramycin and Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid and an antibiotic). Tobradex comes in 3 dosage forms: Ointment (U.S.), Ophtalmic, and Suspension (eye drops). Tobradex is a drug that has been successfully prescribed in the treatment of several dangerous eye disorders, and has managed to prevent irreparable eye damage.

Careprost (Bimatoprost ophthalmic Solution)
Bimatoprost is in eye drop forms. Bimatoprost lowers the pressure in the eye. It does this by helping the flow of fluid out of the eye chamber. Bimatoprost can be used alone or in combination with other medicines to lower raised pressure within the eyes.

Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate)
Lowering eye pressure in patients with wide-angle glaucoma or high blood pressure of the eye.Generic Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate) 0.15%w/v is an alpha-3 adrenergic agonist. It works by lowering the fluid pressure inside the eyeball and increasing fluid drainage from the eyeball.Do NOT use Generic Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate) 0.15%w/v if:you are allergic to any ingredient in Generic Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate) 0.15%w/vyou are taking furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine)Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.