When your eyes feel dry and tired after a long day of screens, the first thing most people reach for is a bottle of eye drops. Then they see eye supplements and wonder: is that better? Do I need both? Here is a clear comparison.
How eye drops work
Lubricating drops (artificial tears) add moisture to the surface of the eye. They can bring quick, short-term comfort, which makes them handy at your desk or after a long drive.
Good to know:
- Relief from lubricating drops often lasts only a short time, so you may need them several times a day.
- If you use drops frequently, ask your eye doctor or pharmacist about preservative-free versions.
- "Get the red out" drops work differently. They shrink blood vessels to make eyes look whiter, and they are generally not meant for frequent, long-term use. Read the label and ask a professional if you rely on them.
How eye supplements work
Supplements work from the inside and are taken daily over weeks. They are not instant, but they are designed to support how your eyes feel over time.* Not all eye supplements are built for the same job:
- Lutein and zeaxanthin formulas are best known for long-term nutritional support of the macula and retina.
- Screen-comfort formulas such as Eye Empower are built for what you feel day to day: dryness, irritation and tired-feeling eyes on screen-heavy days.*
Side by side
| Lubricating eye drops | Eye Empower | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | Surface of the eye | From within* |
| Speed | Minutes | Builds with daily use over weeks* |
| How long it lasts | Short-term | Part of a daily routine |
| How you use it | As needed, often several times a day | 3 capsules a day with water |
| Research | Varies by product | Complete formula evaluated in a triple-blind Citruslabs study |
So which do you need?
Use eye drops when you need quick relief right now, for example on a flight or at the end of a long meeting.
Consider a daily supplement if your eyes feel dry or tired most days, you are reaching for drops again and again, or you want support that is part of your routine rather than a quick fix.*
Many people use both. Drops for the moment, a supplement for the everyday. They are not competing approaches.
About Eye Empower
Eye Empower combines 16 botanicals inspired by traditional Chinese herbal practice, including chrysanthemum flower, buddleia flower, eriocaulon flower and sickle-pod senna seed, with Chinese skullcap, bupleurum and Yin-chen wormwood.* It was formulated to support eye comfort, comfortable-feeling moisture and everyday visual wellness.*
In a 4-week, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled Citruslabs study of the finished formula, 62.96% of participants reported improvement in perceived eye irritation and 55.56% in perceived eye fatigue at week 3. By week 4, 62.96% said they wanted to keep using it. (Results are participant-reported; individual experiences vary.)
One bottle (45 capsules) lasts 15 days. Most people start with the 2-bottle, 30-day routine, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, even if opened.
When drops and supplements are not enough
See an eye doctor if you have eye pain, changes in vision, light sensitivity, ongoing redness or discharge, or if dryness is getting worse despite care. Persistent dry eye can have many causes and deserves a proper exam.
Related: Eye Strain From Working on a Computer All Day: 9 Desk Habits That Help
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, talk to your healthcare professional before use. This article is for general information and is not medical advice.