Have you tried Xiidra eye drops? I’m not a fan of drops either, but my Optometrist prescribed it and I’ve been very pleased. A drop in each eye at bedtime and first thing in the morning. My eye produce a lot of tears for a minute, and yes, when it dries I have little white flakes from the dried up tears I have to wipe off shortly afterward; but…. I haven’t needed any other drops during the day and can read all day without having dry eyes. An added bonus is I notice my vision doesn’t get blurry or tired like it once did. I’ve only been using it for 2 months, but maybe something you might add as k about, if you haven’t already tried it?