Dry Eyes After 50: Choosing Artificial Tears and Avoiding Recalled Drops

Gritty, burning or watery eyes are a common complaint in midlife. The National Eye Institute (NEI)¹ lists being 50 or older and being female among the risk factors for dry eye.¹ Here is how to choose drops and when to see an eye doctor.

Signs of dry eye

NEI lists a scratchy feeling, stinging or burning, redness, light sensitivity and blurry vision.¹ Long screen time, contact lenses, some medicines and autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren syndrome can contribute.¹ Severe untreated dry eye can damage the cornea.¹

Treatment options

• Artificial tears are the most common treatment for mild dry eye and don’t need a prescription. Gels and ointments may help too.¹
• Prescription drops that help eyes make more tears are an option for more serious dry eye.¹
• Tear duct plugs can help tears stay on the eye.¹
• Environment changes help: avoid smoke, wind and air conditioning, use a humidifier, take screen breaks and wear wraparound sunglasses outside.¹

What the recall record shows

In 2023, an outbreak of eye infections with a highly drug-resistant bacterium was linked to preservative-free, multi-use artificial tears bought online.² A lab study later found that common eye drop preservatives could kill the outbreak strain.²

A review of U.S. artificial tear recalls from 2014 to 2025 found 110 recalled products. Most were recalled because sterility couldn’t be assured, and some for confirmed contamination. Preserved and preservative-free tears were recalled at similar rates, and most were U.S.-made generics.³ The authors stressed that confirmed contamination is rare compared with how widely tears are used.³

Buying and using drops safely

1. Buy from a pharmacy or trusted retailer, not unknown online sellers.
2. If you use preservative-free tears, single-use vials are designed to be thrown away after use.
3. Check recall lists if a product looks or smells unusual.
4. Don’t let the tip touch your eye or anything else.
5. Stop and get same-day care for eye pain, discharge or vision changes.
6. See an eye doctor if symptoms continue. NEI notes a dilated eye exam can check for dry eye.¹

If a medicine might be the cause, ask whether there’s an alternative.¹ Our article on dry mouth at the dentist covers another dryness problem that often travels with dry eyes.

Try: “My eyes have been gritty and burning since my late 40s. Could this be dry eye, and which drops would you suggest I use?”

My Body Changed. Now What? includes a Visit Brief. Use it to list your symptoms, screen habits, medicines and the drops you’ve tried. See the book.