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Best Dry Eye Drops in Singapore 2025: Preservative-Free Options Explained

July 20, 2026

Dry eyes are one of the most common eye complaints in Singapore. Extended office hours, constant screen exposure, ageing, and contact lens wear all contribute to dryness, irritation, and a sandy or burning sensation. While many people reach for random eye drops at the pharmacy, not all drops work the same way. Some treat surface dryness, others stabilise the tear film, and some are designed for moderate-to-severe disease. 

Scientific consensus now categorises dry eye treatments based on the specific deficiency, whether it is a lack of water (Aqueous Deficient) or rapid evaporation (Evaporative).

This guide helps you understand the full range of preservative-free dry eye treatments in Singapore, from over-the-counter lubricants to clinic-prescribed medications and advanced therapies like serum eye drops. It explains when to use what, who should prescribe them, and what they typically cost.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease: Why Different Drops Exist

Dry eye is not one single condition. It occurs when:

  • Your eyes do not produce enough tears (Aqueous Deficiency).
  • Your tears evaporate too quickly  (Evaporative Dry Eye), often due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
  • Your tear film is unstable.
  • Long-term inflammation affects the ocular surface.
  • Ageing reduces tear quantity and quality.
  • Environmental and lifestyle factors disrupt the tear film.

The therapeutic response varies significantly depending on the type of dry eye. Scientific reports, such as the TFOS DEWS II, highlight the importance of identifying specific patient subsets to optimise treatment efficacy. This is why choosing the right drop matters.

1. Over-the-Counter Preservative-Free Lubricating Drops (Mild to Moderate Dryness)

These artificial tears help replenish moisture and stabilise the tear film. Preservative-free options are safer for frequent use, especially for contact lens wearers or those with sensitive eyes.

A. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Based Drops

Examples: Hylocomod, Hylo-Forte, Refresh Plus PF

  • What they do: Attract and retain moisture on the eye surface.
  • Best for: Screen fatigue, contact lens dryness, and ageing-related dryness.
  • Cost: $16.00 to $21.00, depending on brand and bottle size.
  • Where to buy: Guardian, Watsons, online pharmacies, and optometry clinics.

B. Lipid-Based / Nanoemulsion Drops

Examples: Cationorm, Systane Complete PF

These stabilise the lipid layer, reducing tear evaporation. Clinical research into meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of evaporative dry eye, shows that ageing and obstruction of the meibomian glands significantly affect the lipid layer. Restoring this layer is crucial for managing evaporative dry eye.

  • Best for: Evaporative dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
  • Cost: $19.00 to $26.00.
  • Where to buy: Pharmacies (Watsons, Guardian, Unity) and selected eye clinics.

C. Trehalose + HA Combinations

Examples: Thealoz Duo

  • What they do: Protect ocular surface cells from dryness-related stress while hydrating.
  • Best for: Moderate dry eye with ocular surface stress.
  • Cost: $27.00 to $34.00.

D. Glyceryl / Carbomer Gel Drops

Examples: Viscofresh, Vidisic Gel

  • What they do: Provide longer-lasting lubrication with a thicker consistency.
  • Best for: Night-time dryness, post-LASIK dryness.
  • Cost: $11.00 to $15.00.

2. Prescription Eye Drops (Moderate to Severe Dry Eye)

If inflammation or gland dysfunction is involved, lubricants alone may not work. Clinics may prescribe anti-inflammatory or tear secretion–stimulating drops.

A. Cyclosporine (e.g., Restasis, Ikervis)

  • What it does: Reduces inflammation in moderate to severe dry eye.
  • Why it matters: Inflammation is a key driver of chronic dry eye disease.
  • Who prescribes: Ophthalmologists in private or public clinics. 
  • Cost: Approximately $60 to $130 per month.
  • When used: When OTC drops fail or dry eye is linked to autoimmune conditions.

B. Diquafosol Ophthalmic Solution

Published research shows that Diquafosol 3% can significantly increase tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT) and stimulate natural tear secretion by activating P2Y2 receptors. 

  • What it does: Stimulates aqueous fluid and mucin secretion, and reinforces the lipid layer.
  • Best for: Tear film instability, mucin deficiency, and evaporative dry eye with MGD.
  • Cost: Clinic-prescribed (prices vary by institution).
  • Who should use it: Patients with moderate to severe dry eye or meibomian gland involvement.

C. Topical Steroids (Short-Term Use)

  • What they do: Reduce inflammation quickly.
  • Important: Strictly for short-term use due to risks of cataracts and glaucoma.
  • Who prescribes: Eye specialists only.
  • Cost: $6.50 to $20.

3. Advanced and Specialty Treatments (Severe Dry Eye)

For severe dry eye, especially in autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, specialised therapies are required.

A. Serum Eye Drops (Autologous or Allogeneic)

Clinical research supports the use of serum eye drops for severe dry eye due to their biological components that promote healing. A recent randomised trial found that allogeneic serum drops (from healthy donors) have comparable efficacy and tolerability to autologous drops (from the patient’s own blood), making them a viable option for patients unable to donate their own blood. 

  • What they do: Deliver growth factors, vitamins, and natural tear components not found in artificial tears.
  • Types:
    • Autologous: Made from your own blood.
    • Allogeneic: Donor-derived (applicable if you have poor venous access or low haemoglobin).
  • Best for: Severe ocular surface disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, neurotrophic keratopathy.
  • Cost: Approximately $300 to $800 per batch.
  • Where made: Hospital pharmacies (e.g., SNEC) or specialised compounding labs.

B. Novel Therapeutic Agents (Emerging Research)

New nanoformulations, such as antioxidant-coupled exosomes (mExo@AA), are showing promise in research. These therapies aim to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce inflammation more effectively than current monotherapies. While still emerging, they represent the future of dry eye management.

How to Choose the Right Dry Eye Drop

Use this decision guide:

  1. Mild, occasional dryness? → Preservative-free HA drops or simple lubricants.
  2. Evaporative dryness (common in Singapore)? → Lipid-based drops like Cationorm or Systane Complete PF.
  3. Moderate symptoms with irritation or redness? → Trehalose + HA combinations or nanoemulsion drops.
  4. Long-term persistent dryness? → Clinic evaluation. May need prescription anti-inflammatory drops (Cyclosporine) or secretagogues (Diquafosol).
  5. Severe dry eye or autoimmune disease? → Serum eye drops or specialist-led treatment.

Signs You Need to See a Clinician Instead of Self-Treating

  • Daily symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Decreased vision.
  • Redness that does not improve.
  • Dryness after LASIK.
  • Pain or foreign body sensation.

Key Takeaways

  • OTC drops work for mild dryness, but the right formulation (Lipid vs. HA) matters.
  • Diquafosol is a prescription option proven to increase lipid layer thickness.
  • Serum drops (both autologous and allogeneic) are effective for severe disease.
  • Treat the cause: Not all drops are interchangeable.

Call to Action: If you rely on eye drops daily, or symptoms persist despite OTC treatments, book an eye examination. Dry eye has many causes, from ageing to inflammation, and the proper diagnosis ensures you choose the drop that truly works for your condition.

Editorial Note

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Product availability, pricing and prescribing practices may vary by clinic and change over time. Readers experiencing persistent or severe dry eye symptoms should consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis before starting any prescription treatment.

References and Sources

Medical Journals & Clinical Studies

  1. van der Meer, P. F., et al. (2021). “Allogeneic and autologous serum eye drops: a pilot double-blind randomized crossover trial.” Acta Ophthalmologica.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9544559

  1. TFOS DEWS II – Definition and Classification

https://tfosdewsreport.org

  1. Fukuoka, S., & Arita, R. (2019). Tear film lipid layer increase after diquafosol instillation in dry eye patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6591396

  1. Ding, J., & Sullivan, D. A. (2012). “Aging and dry eye disease.” Experimental Gerontology.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3368077

  1. Ma, F., et al. (2023). “A synergistic therapeutic nano-eyedrop for dry eye disease based on ascorbic acid-coupled exosomes.” Nanoscale. 

https://pubs.rsc.org/nr/article/15/4/1890/777425/A-synergistic-therapeutic-nano-eyedrop-for-dry-eye

Price & Availability Verification

  • Market pricing and availability verified as of August 2026 via: Watsons Singapore, NTUC FairPrice, NHG Pharmacy, SweetCare Singapore, BeautyTheShop, MaNaStore, Advanced Eye Clinic Singapore, DoctorOnCall, and SingHealth.

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