Lead up to measurements and these drops are making my eyes so dry

I never had issues with my eyes feeling dry before using (yes, preservative free) eye drops. Now, within about 30 seconds I feel like I've been in an hour-long staring contest and it'll feel like that for about 20 minutes after each application. I tried an ointment too (only 3 ingredients: mineral oil, white petroleum, lanolin alcohols) and that straight up made my eyes burn for over an hour each time I used it before bed, and then the morning eye drops would bring that sensation back as it 'reawakened' any ointment that had dried on my eyelashes or something.

I don't know if I have unusually sensitive eyes or what, but it makes me very concerned for after surgery because I also tend to be extra sensitive to things that come in contact with broken skin... such as aloe vera. Pity me and my pale skin prone to sunburns, as well as any small cuts I may have on my hands when I use some soaps. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle it.

I will, of course, be bringing this up with my doctor in two days but it's just making me really nervous.