Top 6 Eye Drops and Lubricating Solutions in the United States for 2025: A Clinician-Backed Guide to Preservative-Free, Long-Lasting Relief and How to Pick the Best Fit

Systane Ultra Unit Dose by Alcon is a preservative-free single-use formulation adapted from a leading human ophthalmic lubricant line and offers low-blur, fast-relief lubrication suitable for occasional canine use; its brand recognition and wide distribution are financial advantages for clinics seeking reliable supply. Technically it provides a balance of comfort and spreadability that can be preferable for dogs that are sensitive to thicker gels, and it compares favorably to thicker veterinary-specific gels when ease of application and owner compliance are priorities. Versus the others, Systane Ultra benefits from global availability and strong manufacturing scale, which can reduce shipping delays and unit cost variability.

Puralube Vet Ointment is a traditional, petrolatum‑based ophthalmic ointment prized for very long contact time and a straightforward, durable barrier effect on the canine ocular surface. It competes on value and durability with Optixcare by offering bulk, low‑complexity packaging that tends to reduce per‑unit cost for clinics and owners while delivering similarly long‑lasting lubrication.

Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate 1%) is a market leader for severe intraocular inflammation and postoperative control in dogs because of its strong tissue penetration and established clinical profile; many veterinary ophthalmologists prefer it for intense uveitic cases. It tends to be pricier than Maxidex but can offer superior control in select cases; as with other steroids on the list it is technically contraindicated when corneal integrity is compromised, where diclofenac or ketorolac provide safer anti‑inflammatory alternatives.

I-Drop Vet Plus positions itself as a veterinary-grade ophthalmic lubricant with a formulation optimized for post-operative care and chronic corneal surface support, offering preservative-conscious packaging that reduces irritation risk with repeated dosing. Technically it fills the niche between antimicrobial agents and simple cleansers: less antibiotic-centric than Polysporin and less antiseptic than Vetericyn, while generally being more advanced (and often costlier) than basic lubricants or wipes, making it attractive for clinicians managing long-term ocular surface disease.

Optimmune is a prescription cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that stands out as the tear-stimulant option on this list because it addresses underlying immune-mediated lacrimal dysfunction rather than only replacing tears. For canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) it is often costlier up front than over-the-counter lubricants here, but its disease-modifying effect can reduce long‑term medication needs and visits compared with purely palliative drops or gels.