Frequent itching and watery eyes are typically caused by allergies, dry eyes, or irritation rather than adjustments to your prescription glasses. It is possible to determine the cause and administer appropriate treatment by using lubricating eye drops and speaking with an ophthalmologist.

Using lubricant eye drops like Systane Ultra or Refresh Tears daily is generally very safe, even for years. They do not have serious long-term side effects. However, because both contain mild preservatives, using them more than four times a day over many years can sometimes cause slight irritation. If you need them very frequently, switching to preservative-free individual vials of either brand is a gentler option. Neither brand is universally 'better'?Refresh Tears uses a different lubricant (carboxymethylcellulose) than Systane Ultra, so it comes down to which one feels most comfortable in your eyes.

While your previous COVID-19 recovery and vitamins are helpful context, a red eye that has not improved after two days of using Refresh Tears needs a professional look. It could be a simple inflammation, dry eyes, or a mild infection that requires specific prescription drops. I gently recommend scheduling an appointment with an eye specialist or your doctor for a proper evaluation. In the meantime, please avoid rubbing your eye, wash your hands frequently, and rest your eyes from screens.

Spending long hours on screens can cause Computer Vision Syndrome with dryness and irritation. You can use lubricating eye drops like Carboxymethylcellulose or Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2?3 times daily for relief. Also follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), blink often, adjust screen brightness, and keep proper distance. If symptoms persist, consult an eye doctor.

Feeling dryness and a foreign body sensation in the eye is most commonly due to dry eye syndrome, which can happen from long screen time, reduced blinking, dust exposure, air-conditioning, or lack of sleep. It can also be related to allergies or mild eye surface irritation. Using lubricating (artificial tear) eye drops, taking regular screen breaks (20-20-20 rule), staying hydrated, and avoiding rubbing your eyes can help. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult an eye doctor for proper evaluation.

Since your basic eye exam was normal and Refresh Tears did not provide relief, your symptoms might stem from deep ocular surface dryness, nerve-related sensitivity, or mild muscle spasms around the eyes. I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with a specialist, such as a neuro-ophthalmologist or a dry eye expert, for a more targeted evaluation. In the meantime, wearing polarized, wrap-around sunglasses can help protect your eyes and keep you comfortable while driving.