Long haul flight - eyedrops

shandyclover

I've a 2 long haul flights next month. Last time I flew (pre covid) I suffered dry eyes which progressed to being really sore and gritty and bothered me the whole trip. I'm not a contact lens wearer, and once I got home it cleared up, so it seems it was just a result of flight, tiredness and being in a hot, dusty country. I've been to shops to try and get some drops but I'm confused by the huge range in both types and prices. I don't have any other ailments, I just want comfortable eyes - can anyone advise?

baser999

Try ask your local chemist

PterionPterion

shandyclover said:

I've a 2 long haul flights next month. Last time I flew (pre covid) I suffered dry eyes which progressed to being really sore and gritty and bothered me the whole trip. I'm not a contact lens wearer, and once I got home it cleared up, so it seems it was just a result of flight, tiredness and being in a hot, dusty country. I've been to shops to try and get some drops but I'm confused by the huge range in both types and prices. I don't have any other ailments, I just want comfortable eyes - can anyone advise?

If its temporary and mild any dry eye drop will do. The preservative free range tend to be the most popular with brands like Hycosan, thealoz etc but in this case if your after an ocular lubricant it doesn't matter. 

Kat78MFW

The most cost effective are supermarket or pharmacy own brands. You can get lubricant drops in Tesco / Asda for £2-3. The lubricant ingredient that you want is 0.1% or 0.2% sodium hyaluronate. Get ones that say "suitable for use with contact lenses" as these will be preservative free.  Check on the label how long you can keep the bottle once opened (usually one month,  three months or six months). Write the date you opened it on the label to make sure you throw it away after the correct period of time. Have a good flight. 

Nile

shandyclover said:

I've a 2 long haul flights next month. Last time I flew (pre covid) I suffered dry eyes which progressed to being really sore and gritty and bothered me the whole trip. I'm not a contact lens wearer, and once I got home it cleared up, so it seems it was just a result of flight, tiredness and being in a hot, dusty country. I've been to shops to try and get some drops but I'm confused by the huge range in both types and prices. I don't have any other ailments, I just want comfortable eyes - can anyone advise?

Hi shandyclover.

I use hypromellose eye drops. They are available in pharmacies, there's no need to buy the more expensive brands (like Optrex) just ask for hypromellose eye drops.

shandyclover

Thanks all. I picked up some unbranded drops that seem to tick all the boxes ingredients wise. I have 21 hours flight time, then back again in 3 weeks - so I think they'll definitely be used!