The present invention provides for compositions, medicaments, and methods for treating or alleviating the symptoms of dry eye syndrome or chronic dry eye. More specifically, the present embodiments provide for medicaments consisting of tocopherol or tocotrienol eyedrops. A single topical administration of tocopherol or tocotrienol eyedrops in the eyes of a subject suffering from dry eye alleviates symptoms for at least one day. In particular, the eyedrop medicament consists of α-tocopheryl acetate; α-tocopheryl acetate and about 0.5% aqueous component; or α-tocopheryl acetate, about 2.5% tocopherol emulsifier, and about 20% to about 30% aqueous excipient.