You wear contact lenses for clear vision, but sometimes your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable. It’s a common thought to reach for eye drops for quick relief. However, not all eye drops are suitable for use with contact lenses.
While you can use some eye drops with contact lenses, certain formulas are designed to be compatible with contacts, while others aren’t. Choosing the right drops is important for your eye health and comfort.
If you’re struggling with dryness while wearing contacts, you should know that solutions are available. Book a contact lens fitting and let us help you find a way forward.
Why Not All Eye Drops Work with Contacts
Using the wrong eye drops while you wear contacts can cause more irritation rather than relief. Certain ingredients are not designed to interact with contact lens materials, especially in the case of soft contacts.
The Problem with Preservatives
Many standard eye drops contain preservatives, which keep the liquid sterile for a longer time after opening. Soft contact lenses may absorb these preservatives. Over time, this buildup can cause redness, irritation, and significant discomfort in your eyes.
Rewet Drops vs. Redness Relief Drops
Eye drops designed to “get the red out” often work by narrowing the blood vessels in your eyes. These formulas are not meant for use with contact lenses and can cause problems if used incorrectly.
Rewetting drops, on the other hand, are made to lubricate both your eyes and your lenses, thereby offering comfort.
Eye Drops That Are Safe for Contact Lenses
When you need relief from dryness, you need options that are safe to use. Look for products clearly labelled for use with contact lenses.
Rewetting Drops
These drops are often your first choice for contact lens-related dryness. They add moisture back to both your lenses and your eye, which can improve comfort. They can also help flush out small bits of debris that might get trapped under your lenses.
Preservative-Free Formulas
Another safe option is preservative-free artificial tears. Because these don’t have preservatives, they won’t cause irritating buildup on your lenses. These drops usually come in single-use vials to keep them sterile without additives.
How to Correctly Use Eye Drops with Your Contacts
Proper application helps you get the most relief from your eye drops without causing other issues.
Read the Product Label First
Before you buy or use any eye drops, check the packaging carefully. It should clearly state that the product is safe for use with soft contact lenses. If the label doesn’t say this, you should choose different eye drops.
Remove Your Contact Lenses As Needed
If you need to use a medicated drop that is not approved for contacts, you need to remove your lenses first. After applying your drops, it’s a good idea to wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contacts back in. This gives the medication time to absorb into your eye instead of your lens. Always confirm proper use with your eye doctor
Dry Eyes & Contact Lens Discomfort
The frequent need for eye drops often points to an underlying issue: dry eyes. Contact lenses can sometimes contribute to dryness or make existing dry eye symptoms more noticeable. Addressing the root cause with effective dry eye therapy is the best path to long-term comfort.
Signs Your Contacts Contribute to Dryness
If you experience any of the following while wearing contacts, you might have dryness:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Redness or irritation
- Vision that becomes blurry
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
When to See an Optometrist in South Surrey & White Rock
If over-the-counter rewetting drops don’t provide enough relief, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam can identify underlying issues.
Persistent discomfort can be a sign of a poor lens fit or an eye condition that needs attention. An eye care professional can help you figure out the cause of your discomfort.
Explore Your Options for Comfortable Vision
You don’t have to live with contact lens discomfort. A conversation with an eye care professional is the first step toward better comfort.
Custom Solutions for Your Eyes
An eye exam allows your optometrist to assess your tear film and the health of your cornea. They may recommend specific preservative-free drops or suggest daily disposable lenses. A thorough assessment during a contact lens exam and fitting can determine if other contact lens materials may also be better suited for your eyes.
Talk to Your Optometrist
The best way to address eye dryness is by determining its cause. Your optometrist can help you find a comfortable and healthy way to wear your contact lenses.
At Insight Eyecare, we’re here to listen to your concerns and help you find comfortable, clear vision. Book your appointment today to explore your options.
