




Pterygium, often referred to as “surfer’s eye,” is a common eye condition in the Philippines, particularly in areas with certain environmental conditions. While it is not always painful, a pterygium can cause persistent discomfort, affecting daily comfort and visual quality. For many people, eye drops play a key role in managing these symptoms and protecting overall eye health.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for when choosing the best eye drops for pterygium in the Philippines, focusing on comfort, safety, and everyday usability. From gentle lubricating drops to longer-lasting gel formulas, we highlight options commonly available on Shopee and Lazada, helping you find eye drops that suit your needs without unnecessary trial and error.
Quick List - Top Eye Drops for Pterygium

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Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue that develops on the white part of the eye and may gradually extend toward the cornea. It is commonly linked to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, dust, and dry environments, making it more prevalent in tropical countries like the Philippines.
While pterygium itself cannot be cured with medication, eye drops help manage these symptoms by keeping the eye surface well-lubricated, reducing dryness, redness, and irritation during blinking, and minimizing discomfort caused by environmental irritants.
Choosing the right eye drops for pterygium can feel confusing, especially with so many options claiming relief for dry or irritated eyes. To simplify your decision, this quick buying guide breaks down the key factors that matter most, helping you choose eye drops that support long-term eye care in the Philippine climate.
Different formulations are designed to address varying symptom levels, so selecting the appropriate type of eye drop is essential for effectively managing pterygium-related discomfort.
Lubricating or artificial tear eye drops are commonly recommended for mild to moderate pterygium symptoms. These drops supplement natural tears, helping to relieve the irritating sensation often felt during blinking. They create a smooth, protective layer over the eye surface, reducing friction and irritation caused by dust, wind, or prolonged screen use. Because of their gentle formulation, artificial tears are suitable for regular daily use.
Gel or liposomal eye drops are designed for individuals who experience more severe or recurring dryness. Their thicker consistency allows them to stay on the eye surface longer, providing extended moisture and protection. This makes them particularly helpful for people whose symptoms return quickly after using standard artificial tears. However, these drops may cause temporary blurred vision, so they are often best used at night or during rest periods.
If you use eye drops several times a day, choosing preservative-free or mild formulations becomes especially important. Preservatives help prevent contamination in multi-use bottles, but frequent exposure can irritate the eye surface, particularly when pterygium is present. Preservative-free eye drops are designed to be gentler and are better suited for long-term or repeated use. These formulations help maintain eye comfort while reducing the risk of stinging, redness, or sensitivity over time.
The ingredients in eye drops play a major role in how well they relieve discomfort associated with pterygium. Gentle, hydrating components help protect the eye surface while minimizing irritation, especially for sensitive or frequently exposed eyes.
Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are known for their strong ability to bind and retain moisture. In eye drops, these ingredients help keep the eye surface hydrated by forming a stable moisture layer that lasts longer than standard lubricants. They also reduce friction during blinking, which can help lessen irritation and dryness associated with pterygium. Because of their gentle, biocompatible nature, these ingredients are suitable for long-term, frequent use.
Carboxymethylcellulose is a commonly used lubricating agent in eye drops that forms a smooth, protective layer over the eye surface. This film helps reduce friction during blinking, which can ease dryness, irritation, and the gritty sensation often experienced with pterygium. Stabilizing the tear film provides quick and noticeable comfort without interfering with natural tear production.
Glycerin works in a similar but slightly different way by drawing moisture to the eye surface and helping it remain there for longer. Compared to carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin-based eye drops may feel slightly richer or heavier, which can be beneficial for users experiencing more severe or persistent dryness.
Packaging plays an important role in keeping eye drops safe, effective, and easy to use, especially for daily pterygium care. The right format can help reduce contamination risks while fitting smoothly into your routine at home, work, or while traveling.
A balance between safety, ease of use, and proper storage can improve long-term comfort and make daily pterygium management more effective.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Preservative-Free | Key Ingredients | Packaging Type | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Systane Ultra Eye Lubricant Eye Drops | ![]() | Provides Long-Lasting Relief for Dry Eye Symptoms | Lubricating、Artificial Tears | Polyethylene Glycol、Propylene Glycol、Hydroxypropyl Guar | Multidose | 5mL | ||
2 | Hylo Gel Lubricating Eye Drops | ![]() | Locks In Moisture With a Gel-Like Hyaluronic Acid | Lubricating、Gel、Artificial Tears | Sodium Hyaluronate | Multidose | 10mL | ||
3 | Allergan Cellufresh|Single-Use Containers | ![]() | Gentle, Preservative-Free Eye Drops in Single-Use Vials | Lubricating、Artificial Tears | Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose | Single-Dose | 0.4mL x 30 | ||
4 | Rohto Aqua Eye Drops | ![]() | Non-Medicinal Drops That Soothe Without Stinging | Lubricating、Artificial Tears | Sodium Hyaluronate 、Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate、Hypromellose | Multidose | 13 mL | ||
5 | Allergan Optive Fusion | ![]() | Soothes Dry, Irritated Eyes With a Dual-Action Formula | Lubricating、Artificial Tears | Sodium Hyaluronate、Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose、Glycerin | Multidose | 10 mL | ||
6 | Eye Mo Moisturizing Formula | ![]() | Lubricating Hypromellose Drops to Ease Eye Strain | Lubricating、Artificial Tears | Hypromellose | Multidose | 7.5 mL | ||
7 | Systane Hydration Lubricant Eye Drops | ![]() | Dual-Action Hydration That Refreshes and Protects Eyes | Lubricating、Artificial Tears | Sodium Hyaluronate、Polyethylene Glycol、Hydroxypropyl Guar | Multidose | 10mL | ||
8 | Santen Cationorm|Single-Dose Containers | ![]() | Keep Eyes Comfortable Using Oil-in-Water Drops | Cationic Emulsion、Artificial Tears | Mineral Oils、Glycerol | Single-Dose | 10mL x 30 | ||
9 | Santen Hialid 0.3% Ophthalmic Solution | ![]() | High-Strength Eye Drops for Longer-Lasting Moisture | Lubricating、Artificial Tears | Sodium Hyaluronate、Propylene Glycol | Multidose | 5 mL | ||
10 | Allergan Optive Gel Drops | ![]() | Get Prolonged Relief From Dry Eyes With Gel Drops | Lubricating、Gel、Artificial Tears | Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose、Glycerin | Multidose | 10mL | ||
| Type | Lubricating、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Polyethylene Glycol、Propylene Glycol、Hydroxypropyl Guar |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 5mL |
| Type | Lubricating、Gel、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Hyaluronate |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 10mL |
| Type | Lubricating、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose |
| Packaging Type | Single-Dose |
| Net Weight | 0.4mL x 30 |
| Type | Lubricating、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Hyaluronate 、Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate、Hypromellose |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 13 mL |
| Type | Lubricating、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Hyaluronate、Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose、Glycerin |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 10 mL |
| Type | Lubricating、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Hypromellose |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 7.5 mL |
| Type | Lubricating、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Hyaluronate、Polyethylene Glycol、Hydroxypropyl Guar |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 10mL |
| Type | Cationic Emulsion、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Mineral Oils、Glycerol |
| Packaging Type | Single-Dose |
| Net Weight | 10mL x 30 |
| Type | Lubricating、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Hyaluronate、Propylene Glycol |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 5 mL |
| Type | Lubricating、Gel、Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Preservative-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose、Glycerin |
| Packaging Type | Multidose |
| Net Weight | 10mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
You should see an eye doctor if pterygium symptoms persist despite regular use of eye drops or if you notice worsening redness, pain, or changes in vision. These signs may indicate inflammation, surface damage, or progression toward the cornea and cannot be managed with lubrication alone. An ophthalmologist can evaluate the eye surface and determine whether medical treatment or closer monitoring is required.
Eye drops cannot remove or reverse pterygium because the condition involves abnormal tissue growth on the eye surface. Lubricating and hydrating drops only reduce friction, dryness, and irritation, helping control symptoms rather than the growth itself. Complete removal of pterygium can only be achieved through surgical intervention under specialist care.
Yes, consistent UV protection helps reduce further irritation and slows pterygium progression. Ultraviolet light stimulates inflammatory changes on the eye surface, which can worsen tissue growth over time. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses alongside regular eye drop use provides combined protection against environmental triggers.
Frequent use of eye drops containing preservatives may disrupt the tear film and irritate sensitive eye tissue. Over time, this can increase surface inflammation and discomfort, especially in eyes already affected by pterygium. Preservative-free formulations are better suited for repeated daily use and long-term symptom control.
Most eye drops are safe to use for about 28 to 30 days after opening, depending on the formulation and packaging. Once opened, exposure to air and handling increases the risk of contamination and reduced sterility. Always follow the product’s stated discard period to avoid infection or reduced effectiveness.
Improper storage can degrade active ingredients and compromise sterility, reducing the effectiveness of eye drops. Heat, sunlight, and humidity may alter the formulation or encourage bacterial growth. Storing eye drops as directed and keeping the dropper tip clean helps maintain safety and performance.
If you’re looking for more ways to support overall eye comfort and protection, explore our expert-reviewed buying guides and curated eye care resources designed to help you care for your eyes in everyday Philippine conditions.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Systane|Ultra Eye Lubricant Eye Drops
No. 2: Hylo|Gel Lubricating Eye Drops
No. 3: Allergan|Cellufresh|Single-Use Containers
No. 4: Rohto|Aqua Eye Drops
No. 5: Allergan|Optive Fusion
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.




























