Last Updated: January 2026 | Reviewed by Dr. Davinder Sidhu, OD
For most people, Systane Complete Preservative-Free is the best starting point—it addresses all three layers of your tear film in one drop. But if you have specific symptoms (severe dryness, contact lens use, sensitivity), a different Systane formula may work better.
Here's how to choose the right one.
Why Do Different Dry Eye Types Need Different Drops?
Your tear film has three layers, and when one fails, you get a specific type of dry eye. According to the 2017 TFOS DEWS II report, 86% of dry eye cases involve evaporative (lipid layer) problems—which is why "more water" often doesn't help.
| Tear Layer | What It Does | When It Fails | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lipid (Oil) | Outer seal that prevents evaporation | Evaporative Dry Eye (most common) | Watery eyes, tears running down face, grittiness |
| Aqueous (Water) | Bulk of tear volume | Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye | Burning, constant irritation, stinging |
| Mucin | Helps tears stick to eye surface | Poor tear spread | Blurry vision that clears with blinking |
The Systane family targets these different failure points. Choose based on your primary problem.
Which Systane Product Is Right for My Symptoms?
| Product | Best For | Key Technology | Preservative-Free Option? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systane Complete | All dry eye types (triple action) | Nano-droplet technology addressing all 3 layers | Yes ✓ |
| Systane Ultra / Hydration | Aqueous deficiency, post-surgery | Hyaluronate (HA) for moisture retention | Yes ✓ |
| Systane Balance | Evaporative dry eye, MGD | LipiTech system for lipid layer | No |
| Systane Gel Drops | Severe dryness, overnight use | Thicker gel consistency | No |
Quick Decision: Not sure which type you have? Start with Systane Complete Preservative-Free—it covers all bases.
Which Systane Is Best for Severe Dry Eyes?
If your dryness is relentless—the classic "tears running down my face but my eyes still feel dry" paradox—you likely have evaporative dry eye. You don't need more water; you need a better tear film seal.
For severe symptoms:
- Daytime: Systane Complete PF — strongest OTC option for lipid layer restoration
- Nighttime: Systane Gel Drops — thicker formula for overnight protection
- Post-surgery: Systane Hydration PF — hyaluronate for LASIK/cataract recovery
When Should I See a Doctor About Dry Eyes?
Systane is great for most people—it's what you find at any drugstore. But if you're using drops 4-6+ times daily and symptoms aren't improving (or are getting worse), that's a signal your dry eye is more complex.
See an optometrist if:
- OTC drops aren't providing 6-8 hours of relief
- You have persistent redness, pain, or discharge
- Your vision is affected
- You suspect Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Your doctor may recommend therapeutic drops (like Thealoz Duo for superior corneal protection) or in-office treatments like IPL or meibomian gland expression.
Can I Use Systane Eye Drops with Contact Lenses?
Yes, but only preservative-free versions while lenses are in your eyes. Preservatives can bind to soft contact lenses and cause irritation.
| Situation | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| Rewetting lenses during the day | Systane Ultra PF or Systane Hydration PF |
| Before inserting / after removing | Any Systane product is fine |
| Overnight (lenses out) | Systane Gel Drops |
Note: Systane Complete is best used before insertion or after removal—its comprehensive formula isn't ideal as a rewetting drop over lenses.
Which Systane Is Best for Sensitive Eyes?
If you use drops frequently (4+ times daily) or notice irritation from regular Systane, the preservative (POLYQUAD™) may be accumulating on your cornea.
The solution: Switch to any Preservative-Free (PF) option. They deliver the same relief without the preservative compound.
Best for sensitive eyes:
- Systane Complete Preservative-Free — all-in-one, no preservatives
- Systane Hydration Preservative-Free — extra gentle with hyaluronate
Do Systane Drops Help with Red Eyes or Allergies?
It depends on the cause of your redness.
| Cause | Will Systane Help? | What to Use Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Redness from dryness/irritation | Yes — lubricating drops address the root cause | Any Systane lubricant |
| Redness from allergies (itching, watering) | No — you need antihistamine drops | Allergy-specific drops (not Systane) |
| Redness you want to "get rid of" cosmetically | No — Systane doesn't contain vasoconstrictors | Avoid "redness relief" drops (they mask symptoms) |
Important: "Get the Red Out" drops (Visine, Clear Eyes) contain vasoconstrictors that only mask redness temporarily. They don't treat dry eye and can cause rebound redness with regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between Systane Ultra and Systane Complete?
Systane Ultra targets the aqueous (water) layer only—good for mild, environmental dryness. Systane Complete targets all three tear layers with nano-droplet technology—better for moderate to chronic dry eye or when you're unsure which type you have.
Q: Is Systane Complete better than Systane Ultra?
For most people, yes. Complete is more comprehensive. Ultra is fine for occasional, mild dryness (like screen fatigue), but Complete handles a wider range of symptoms.
Q: How often can I use Systane drops?
Preservative-free versions: as often as needed. Preserved versions: limit to 4-6 times daily to avoid preservative buildup.
Q: Can I use Systane after LASIK?
Yes—Systane Hydration Preservative-Free is often recommended post-LASIK for its hyaluronate content and extended moisture retention.
Related: How to Properly Apply Eye Drops for Maximum Effectiveness
Shop Systane at MyPEAR.ca
Our recommendation for most people:
- Systane Complete Preservative-Free — best all-around choice
- Systane Complete Twin Pack — best value
- Systane Hydration PF — best for post-surgery or severe aqueous deficiency
- All Preservative-Free Options
15% off your first order. Fast Canadian shipping, free returns.
About the Reviewer
Dr. Davinder Sidhu is an optometrist based in British Columbia with a focus on dry eye management and preservative-free solutions. Learn more at TheGenuwineOD.com or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
