1. Optee

by Extracted

Pros

• Features clinically-proven MaquiBright®
• Contains research-backed astaxanthin
• Includes lutein and zeaxanthin for comprehensive eye protection
• Clinically proven to increase tear production in just 4 weeks
• Supports tear film stability and oil gland function
• Natural alternative to artificial tears with long-term benefits
• Clean formula with no unnecessary fillers
• Vegan-friendly vegetable cellulose capsule shells
• One capsule daily convenience
• Rich in delphinidins and anthocyanins for antioxidant protection
• Suitable for screen-time related eye strain

Cons

• Only available online
• Express delivery is only available in the UK
• Premium pricing reflects high-quality ingredients
• May take up to 4 weeks for full benefits to manifest

Ranking breakdown

Users consistently report noticeable improvements in reduced dryness, fewer daily flare-ups and greater eye comfort - often within weeks, not months. (Copyright Extracted)

Optee represents a genuine breakthrough in dry eye supplementation, featuring MaquiBright® - the only clinically-proven natural ingredient specifically shown to increase tear production within four weeks. This isn't just another generic eye supplement with broad claims; it's a targeted solution backed by solid clinical research.

The hero ingredient, MaquiBright®, is a standardised extract from Patagonian maqui berries that's rich in delphinidins – powerful antioxidants that specifically support tear gland function. Unlike other supplements that make vague promises about eye health, Optee provides measurable results you can feel.

The formula is elegantly simple yet scientifically sophisticated, combining MaquiBright® with research-backed astaxanthin for anti-inflammatory benefits, plus lutein and zeaxanthin for comprehensive eye protection. The clean ingredient profile means no unnecessary fillers or additives that might interfere with absorption.

What sets Optee apart is its specific focus on the mechanisms behind dry eye syndrome. Rather than throwing every eye nutrient into one capsule, it targets tear production, reduces inflammation and supports the delicate structures that maintain healthy tear film – addressing dry eyes at their source.

The four-week timeline for noticeable improvement gives you realistic expectations, and the once-daily dosing ensures consistent compliance. For those seeking a natural, scientifically-backed alternative to artificial tears, Optee delivers genuine innovation in dry eye management.

2. Premium Eye Health

by The Eye Doctor

Pros

• Contains Sea Buckthorn fruit – nature's "miracle berry" with 190 bioactive nutrients
• Includes all four essential omegas (3, 6, 7 & 9) for comprehensive tear support (see below for further information)
• Features three key carotenoids: Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin
• Contains Eyebright extract - traditional herb used for eye conditions since 17th century

Cons

• Lacks the clinically-proven MaquiBright® ingredient
• Contains multiple fillers (rice flour, anti-caking agents)
• Very small dosages that don't result in meaningful results
• Misleading Omega claim - Sea Buckthorn fruit provides minimal omegas per capsule. Better to take a dedicated DHA Omega-3 instead.
• Smaller brand with less established reputation
• No mention of timeline for results
• No specific clinical studies mentioned for the complete formula

Ranking breakdown

The Eye Doctor Dry Eye Supplement takes a comprehensive approach to dry eye relief, centring around Sea Buckthorn fruit – a nutrient-dense berry that naturally contains all four omega fatty acids crucial for tear production and eye lubrication. This unique combination of omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 provides multi-faceted support for the complex mechanisms behind healthy tear production. However, as we discussed above the amount of actual omega's from the small amount of fruit per capsule (100mg) is unlikely to be beneficial.

The inclusion of traditional herbs like Eyebright, which has been used for eye conditions since the 17th century, adds historical credibility to the modern formulation. The three essential carotenoids work together to protect the delicate eye structures from oxidative damage that can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

However, while Sea Buckthorn shows promise for dry eye support, it lacks the specific clinical validation that MaquiBright® provides. The formula contains several beneficial ingredients but also includes unnecessary fillers like rice flour and anti-caking agents that don't contribute to dry eye relief.

For those seeking a natural, comprehensive approach to dry eye support, The Eye Doctor product provides a solid option, though it doesn't quite match the targeted clinical efficacy of our top pick.

3. Screen Eyes™

by Dr Vegan

Pros

• Comprehensive formula with 13 total ingredients
• Contains all four key carotenoids: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-zeaxanthin and Astaxanthin
• Includes Vitamin B2 which is scientifically studied for normal vision
• Vegan-friendly formula

Cons

• Lacks MaquiBright® - the clinically-proven dry eye ingredient
• Requires 2 capsules daily (less convenient)
• Lower astaxanthin content (2mg vs 5mg active in Optee)
• Product lacking in reviews at time of writing
• Contains multiple fillers (brown rice flour, rice fibre, rice extract blend)
• No specific focus on tear production

Ranking breakdown

Screen Eyes™ by Dr Vegan offers an impressively comprehensive formula with 13 ingredients targeting various aspects of eye health. The inclusion of all four key carotenoids – lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin and astaxanthin – provides broad-spectrum antioxidant protection for the eyes, particularly valuable for those exposed to blue light from screens.

The formula's strength lies in its completeness, including essential vitamins and minerals that support overall eye function. Vitamin B2's inclusion is particularly noteworthy as it's scientifically studied for maintaining normal vision, and the bilberry extract provides additional retinal support.

However, this comprehensive approach becomes a weakness when specifically addressing dry eyes. While the ingredients support general eye health, none are specifically proven for tear production or dry eye relief. The absence of MaquiBright® means missing the only clinically-validated natural ingredient for increasing tear production. The two-capsule daily requirement reduces convenience compared to single-capsule alternatives, and the lower astaxanthin content (2mg versus 5mg active in our top pick) may limit anti-inflammatory benefits crucial for dry eye relief. For those seeking comprehensive eye health support who also experience mild dry eye symptoms, Screen Eyes™ provides good value, but those with persistent dry eyes would benefit more from targeted formulations.

4. Eyewise Advance

by Nature's Best

Pros

• Contains high-strength Omega-3 (250mg DHA, 56mg EPA) for vision maintenance
• Added Vitamin D3 for immune support
• Fish oil certified by Friend of the Sea® for sustainability
• One capsule daily convenience

Cons

• Lacks MaquiBright® - the key ingredient for dry eye relief
• Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans (contains fish oil and bovine gelatin)
• Contains fish allergens
• No specific focus on tear production or dry eye symptoms
• Contains artificial colours (Iron Oxide)
• More focused on general eye health rather than dry eye relief specifically

Ranking breakdown

Eyewise Advance by Nature's Best represents a traditional approach to eye health supplementation, combining high-quality lutein and zeaxanthin with omega-3 fatty acids for comprehensive vision support. The established brand brings decades of supplement expertise, and their commitment to sustainable sourcing through Friend of the Sea® certification demonstrates environmental responsibility.

The high-strength omega-3 content (250mg DHA, 56mg EPA) provides valuable support for overall eye health, and the oil-based soft-gel format ensures optimal absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. The addition of vitamin D3 offers immune system benefits that may indirectly support eye health.

However, when it comes to specific dry eye relief, Eyewise Advance falls short. The formula focuses on general vision maintenance rather than the specific mechanisms behind tear production and dry eye symptoms. While omega-3s can provide some anti-inflammatory benefits, the absence of MaquiBright® means missing the only clinically-proven ingredient for increasing tear production.

The fish oil base also limits its appeal to vegetarians and vegans, and those with fish allergies cannot use this product. The artificial colouring (iron oxide) adds an unnecessary synthetic element to an otherwise natural formulation.

For those seeking comprehensive eye health support from an established brand, Eyewise Advance delivers quality, but those specifically targeting dry eye symptoms would benefit more from targeted formulations.

5. MitoQ +eye

by MitoQ

Pros

• Contains unique MitoQ® mitochondria-targeted antioxidant
• Features premium branded ingredients: Pycnogenol®, MirtoSelect®, Lutemax 2020®
• Zinc for additional eye health support
• Advanced cellular protection technology

Cons

• Extremely expensive (£85 for 1-month supply)
• Lacks MaquiBright® - the clinically-proven dry eye ingredient
• Lower doses of key carotenoids compared to competitors
• Premium pricing may not be justified for dry eye relief specifically
• Contains multiple inactive ingredients and fillers
• Complex formulation may not target dry eye as effectively as simpler, focused formulas

Ranking breakdown

MitoQ +eye represents the premium end of eye supplementation, featuring their proprietary mitochondria-targeted antioxidant technology alongside branded ingredients like Pycnogenol® and MirtoSelect®. The science behind mitochondrial support is intriguing, as cellular energy production plays a role in all bodily functions, including tear production.

The inclusion of MirtoSelect® bilberry extract specifically mentions tear production support, which is relevant for dry eye sufferers. Pycnogenol® brings additional antioxidant benefits and has research supporting visual acuity, while the Lutemax 2020® provides high-quality carotenoids.

However, the premium pricing raises questions about value for money, especially when targeting dry eye relief specifically. While the ingredients are high-quality, none match the specific clinical validation of MaquiBright® for tear production. The complex formulation with multiple branded ingredients may sound impressive but doesn't necessarily translate to superior dry eye relief.

The lower doses of key carotenoids compared to other products in our lineup further question whether the premium pricing delivers proportional benefits. Multiple inactive ingredients and fillers also detract from the clean formulation ideal for sensitive individuals.

For those with significant disposable income seeking cutting-edge cellular protection technology, MitoQ +eye offers innovation, but most dry eye sufferers would achieve better results with more targeted, cost-effective alternatives.