Background: Inflammation of the lacrimal glands and ocular surface is a common symptom of dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Early identification may help identify a potentially fatal problem because dry eye symptoms might be a sign of a systemic disease. The present study compared preserved and preservative-free hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-dextran-containing eyedrops in patients with dry eyes. Materials & Methods: 70 patients of dry eyes disease of both genderswere divided into 2 groups of 35 each. Group I were prescribed dextran 70, 1 mg/ml and hypromellose, 3 mg/ml hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and group II 0.3 g HPMC and 0.1 g of dextran 70, with 0.01% benzalkonium chloride (BAK). The Schirmer test, corneal and conjunctival staining, tear break up time (TBUT), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were all conducted at baseline and at 6 weeks. Results: Group I had 15 males and 20 females and group II had 21 males and 14 females. The mean corneal score at baseline was 1.49 and 1.25 and at 6 weeks was 0.58 and 0.49 in group I and II respectively. OSDI score at baseline was 43.2 and 40.2 and at 6 weeks was 32.5 and 23.3 in group I and II respectively. TBUT (sec) at baseline was 7.9 and7.5 and at 6 weeks was 7.2 and 8.9 in group I and II respectively. Conjunctival score at baseline was 6.2 and 7.8 and at 6 weeks was 5.6 and 5.2 in group I and II respectively. The mean schirmer test (mm) at baseline was 6.1 and 6.01 and at 6 weeks was 6.7 and 7.1 in group I and II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Eyedrops containing dextran and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were effective in lowering the symptoms of dry eyes condition, whether they were stored or not.