Compare
Dry eye treatments, side by side.
You have probably been handed one option without much to compare it against. These pages put the common choices head to head. What each does, who it suits, what it costs, and what the evidence actually shows. No blanket winners, because dry eye isn't one condition.
IPL vs thermal pulsation
Both treat evaporative dry eye from blocked oil glands, but differently. IPL calms inflammation on the skin around the lids over a course of sessions; thermal pulsation heats and massages the lids from the inside in a single sitting. Which one fits depends on your glands, your skin and your budget.
Read the comparison Warm compress (at home) vs IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)Warm compress vs IPL
A warm compress is the low-cost, at-home first step and daily maintenance for evaporative dry eye. IPL is an in-clinic course for when heat alone stops clearing the glands or inflammation is driving symptoms. They're a starting point and an escalation, not true rivals.
Read the comparison Preservative-free artificial tears vs Preserved artificial tearsPreservative-free vs preserved eye drops
Both lubricate the eye. The difference is the preservative. Preserved multi-dose bottles are cheaper and fine occasionally, but the common preservative can irritate the surface with frequent use. If you use drops more than about four times a day, preservative-free is usually the better choice.
Read the comparison Punctal plugs vs Artificial tears (eye drops)Punctal plugs vs eye drops
Eye drops add moisture from the outside and drain away within minutes. Punctal plugs keep your own tears on the eye longer by partly blocking the drainage ducts. Drops are the universal first step; plugs suit people who don't make enough tears and are tired of dosing all day.
Read the comparison Optometrist vs OphthalmologistOptometrist vs ophthalmologist for dry eye
For most people an optometrist is the right first stop. They run the assessment and nearly all dry eye treatment, and you can book without a referral. An ophthalmologist is the escalation for complex, severe or surgical cases, usually reached through a referral.
Read the comparison Autologous serum drops vs Prescription anti-inflammatory dropsSerum drops vs prescription drops
Both are steps beyond over-the-counter tears for stubborn dry eye. Prescription anti-inflammatory drops calm surface inflammation; autologous serum drops are made from your own blood and add natural growth factors. They target different problems and are sometimes used together in severe cases.
Read the comparisonNot sure which comparison fits you?
It usually comes down to your dry eye subtype: evaporative, aqueous-deficient, or both. See all the treatment options, or find a clinic that assesses properly before recommending anything.
These pages are general information, not medical advice. Costs are indicative and vary by clinic. See a qualified clinician to find out what is right for you.