If you wear contact lenses, or you simply deal with dry, tired eyes day to day, the chances are you have already reached for Systane or Hycosan. Both are among the most popular eye drop brands in the UK, and both do a genuinely good job of relieving dryness, irritation and general discomfort. So which one should you actually choose? In this guide, we compare Systane and Hycosan eye drops side by side, covering their formulas, contact lens compatibility, and which range suits mild dry eye versus more severe symptoms. We also flag a lower cost alternative for anyone watching their budget.
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Systane vs Hycosan: which eye drops are better?
Quick comparison at a glance
Before we get into the detail, here is how the two brands stack up against each other at a glance.
| Feature | Systane | Hycosan |
| Preservative-free options | Available in several formulas | Available across the whole range |
| Formula type | Lubricating, with lipid-based options | Lubricating, hyaluronic acid-based |
| Best for | Mild to moderate dry eye, screen use | Moderate to severe dry eye, sensitive eyes |
| Contact lens compatible | Yes, in specific formulas | Yes, in specific formulas |
| Product range | Ultra, Complete, Balance, Gel | Original, Extra, Plus |
| Price | £ to ££ | £ to ££ |
Systane eye drops: overview
Systane is one of the biggest names in dry eye relief, with a range built to cover everything from occasional screen strain to more persistent dryness. The Ultra, Complete, Balance and Gel formulas each target slightly different needs, so there should be an option whatever is causing your discomfort.
- A wide range that matches different levels of dry eye severity
- Several preservative-free formulas available for sensitive eyes
- Long-lasting lubrication that suits screen-related dryness
- Some formulas contain preservatives, so check the label if you are sensitive
- Gel formulas can cause temporary blurring, so are best used at night
Hycosan eye drops – overview
Hycosan takes a slightly different approach, with a preservative-free formula across its entire range. Made with hyaluronic acid, the drops are designed to mimic your eyes' own natural tears. The range includes Original, Extra and Plus, moving from everyday relief through to more intensive, longer-lasting comfort.
- Preservative-free across the whole range, which suits sensitive eyes
- Hyaluronic acid formula closely mimics natural tears
- Extra and Plus offer longer-lasting relief for more severe dryness
- Single-use vials can feel less convenient for people on the go
- Extra and Plus may feel thicker than some users expect at first
Can you use Systane and Hycosan with contact lenses?
Both brands offer formulas that are safe to use with contact lenses in situ, but not every product in either range is designed this way. Always check the label before applying drops while wearing your lenses, and if you are unsure, remove your lenses first and reinsert them once the drops have settled. If dryness is a regular problem, it is worth reading up on using eye drops with contact lenses alongside your choice of eye drops.
Which is better for severe dry eyes?
For mild to moderate dry eye, most people find Systane Ultra does the job comfortably, especially if screens are the main culprit. If your symptoms are more severe, Hycosan Extra or Plus tend to offer longer-lasting relief thanks to their thicker, preservative-free formula. That said, if your dry eye is persistent, worsening or affecting your vision, it is worth speaking to an optician rather than relying on drops alone.
Our verdict
There is no single 'best' eye drop here. It genuinely depends on your symptoms, your budget and whether you wear contact lenses.
- Mild dry eye or occasional screen strain: Systane Ultra
- Moderate to severe dry eye or sensitive eyes: Hycosan Extra
- Budget-conscious shoppers: our own everclear Eye Drops as a value alternative
FAQs
It is not usually necessary to use both, but if you do want to try a different formula, leave a few minutes between applying each type of drop. If you are combining products for a specific reason, check with a pharmacist or optician first.
Both are generally suitable for daily use, but if you find you need drops constantly and your symptoms are not improving, it is worth getting your eyes checked rather than just increasing how often you use them.
Both brands offer contact lens-friendly formulas, but check the specific product label, as not every variant in each range is designed for use with lenses in situ.
Hycosan is preservative-free across its entire range. Systane offers a mix, with several preservative-free options alongside formulas that contain preservatives, so check the packaging if this matters to you.
Yes. Our own everclear Eye Drops offer a more affordable option for everyday lubrication, without compromising on comfort.
Conclusion
Both Systane and Hycosan are excellent choices, and you genuinely cannot go far wrong with either. Think about how severe your dry eye is, whether you wear contact lenses, and how sensitive your eyes are to preservatives, then pick the formula that matches. And if you want to keep costs down while you find what works, our dry eye treatments range, including everclear Eye Drops, is a good place to start. For more everyday tips, take a look at our guide on the best eye drops for dry eyes.