Have you ever put on your contacts, only to feel that nagging dryness or irritation creeping in? Before you immediately reach for any old eye drops, hold on!

Not all drops are appropriate for contacts, and using the wrong one can damage your lenses or even make your eyes more uncomfortable.

The Basics

First of all, not all eye drops are the same, and that is even more so true if you wear contact lenses. Some drops have preservatives or thick formulas that can stick to your lenses and cause your vision to be cloudy or irritated.

If you use the wrong type, it can lead to:

  • Discomfort
  • Buildup
  • Shorten the lifespan of your lenses

Let us break down what is safe and what is not.

Types of Eye Drops

When it comes to eye drops, not all of them are safe to use if you wear contact lenses. Learning the differences makes it possible for you to choose the one that works best for you:

Rewetting Drops

These are specifically made for people who wear contact lenses. They moisturize your eyes and lenses, thus keeping them from becoming dry. Always look for any labels that refer to contact lens compatibility. 

Artificial Tears

Although they help with the dryness of the eyes, not all of them are contact-friendly. Some have preservatives that stick to your lenses, causing irritation. If you do use artificial tears, use preservative-free tears and be sure they are suitable for your contact lenses.

Allergy Drops

They are designed to lessen allergy redness and itching, but tend to include vasoconstrictors. Such ingredients can react badly with contact lenses and may cause deposits or discomfort. You should remove your lenses first before you apply these drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

Common Concerns

The challenge with wearing contact lenses is not all eye drops work well with them. Some will benefit, some can actually hurt – you need to be able to tell the difference:

Redness-Relief Drops

These drops contain vasoconstrictors that shrink blood vessels to help prevent redness. However, they leave deposits on your lenses and can worsen redness over time. You should not use them with contacts.

Dry Eye Drops vs. Rewetting Drops

These two are not the same thing. Dry eye drops are designed to reach the eye’s surface and may contain oils or thicker substances that don’t work for contacts. Rewetting drops, on the other hand, are designed to moisturize the eye and the lens for comfort during use.

Medicated Eye Drops

Medicated eye drops for infection or allergies often contain active ingredients that are incompatible with contact lenses. Using them with contacts may cause lens contamination or reduce the drug’s effectiveness.

Take note: You need to remove your lenses before applying these drops and wait the suggested amount of time before reinserting them.

Preservatives in Eye Drops

Some eye drops have preservatives to prolong shelf life, but these chemicals can stick to contact lenses, irritating or triggering allergic reactions. If you use drops regularly with contact lenses, choose formulas without preservatives to avoid any side effects. 

Allergy Eye Drops

Allergy eye drops help reduce symptoms such as itchiness and eye watering. But many have antihistamines or other chemicals that can stick to the lens coating and cause discomfort or dim vision.

You should consult your eye doctor about allergy drops that are safe to use with your particular pair of contact lenses. 

Best Practices for Using Eye Drops with Contacts

Safe use of eye drops and contact lenses is extremely important for your eye's health and comfort. Listed below are some extended guidelines:

Read Labels Carefully

Not all eye drops are appropriate for use with contact lenses. Check the product label for compatibility. Some drops have preservatives or other ingredients that can stick to lenses, making it uncomfortable or causing blurry vision.

If the label does not say it is suitable for contact lenses, check with your eye doctor.

Remove Lenses When Necessary

When using eye drops that are not designed for use with contact lenses, take your contacts off before applying. Once you use the drops, let your contacts sit for at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.

This waiting period allows the medication to be fully absorbed, avoiding interaction with the lens material, and providing the best performance possible.

Maintain Hygiene

Similar to contact lens care, hand hygiene is needed when using eye drops. You must wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying any product to your eyes or lenses.

This way you can reduce the possibility of getting bacteria or pathogens that may cause infection or other eye problems.

Consult Your Eye Care Professional

If you experience recurrent dryness, irritation or discomfort when wearing contact lenses, you should consult with your optometrist.

They can diagnose your symptoms and prescribe the correct eye drops or other options that meet your specific needs for comfort and eye health. 

FAQs

Can I use any eye drops while wearing contact lenses?

Not all eye drops are safe with contact lenses. This means you need to choose drops clearly labeled as safe for contact lens users to prevent irritation or eye damage. 

What are rewetting drops, and how do they help?

Rewetting drops are created to lubricate the eye and contact lens to eliminate dryness and increase comfort while wearing lenses. They help hold moisture in the lens, thereby minimizing irritation.

Should I remove my contacts before using medicated eye drops?

Yes, contact lenses are typically removed before using eye drops that contain medication. Once you apply the drops, leave them for at least 15 minutes before you put back in your lenses so the drug is fully absorbed and there is no interaction. 

Are preservative-free eye drops better for contact lens users?

Preservative-free eye drops are preferable by contact lens users, particularly when used frequently as there is no chance of irritation or allergic reaction from the preservatives. But be sure to check that drops are labeled safe for contacts.

What should I do if I experience persistent dryness or discomfort with my contacts?

If you continue to experience dryness or discomfort, consult your eye doctor. They can examine your eyes, adjust your lenses, and prescribe appropriate eye drops or other solutions for better comfort. 

Choose Contact-Friendly Eye Drops for Healthy Eyes

Eye drops may be beneficial to treat dryness or itchiness, but you must use the right kind when wearing contact lenses. Always use products made for contacts and ask your optometrist if you are not sure. Your eyes will be glad you did!