Are you taking any new medications?
Do you take any thyroid medication?
I’d go to a doctor and make sure they test your thyroid. If your eyes are painful and OTC drops and gels aren’t working, you need a doctor to help you.
If it is your thyroid, once your thyroid is regulated with medication your eyes will get better. You might still need some drops, but the situation should improve.
It might be something totally unrelated to thyroid, and there are prescription medications for dry eye.
Is your skin and hair very dry lately also? Is your hair falling out more than usual?
Even if the doctor gives you some sort of diagnosis about eye inflammation or tear quality, make sure he tests your thyroid. I cant say it enough.