Ever feel that dry, scratchy sensation when you’re wearing your contact lenses? You’re not alone! Many contact lens wearers experience discomfort, especially throughout the day. It can make reading, working on a computer, or even just enjoying a sunny day feel miserable.
Choosing the right eye drops when you have contacts in can be confusing. You want something that will soothe your eyes, but you also need to make sure it’s safe for your lenses. Using the wrong kind could damage your contacts or even irritate your eyes further. It’s a common problem that many people face, leading to frustration and a lot of guesswork.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what you need to know about eye drops and contact lenses. You’ll learn how to pick the best drops to keep your eyes feeling comfortable and healthy. By the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing the right kind of relief. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your contact lens experience much more pleasant!
Top Eye Drops With Contacts Recommendations
- Relief with Every Blink: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops moisturize dry contact lenses to provide long-lasting comfort. These drops work with the eye's natural tears to help keep your contact lenses feeling fresh and comfortable all day
- Hydration Boost with Hyaluronate: Our moisturizing eye drops instantly moisturize dry lenses. Our unique hyaluronate formulate works as a hydration booster to help contacts stay refreshed and comfortable through end of day
- Comfort till End of Day: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops are formulated with beneficial electrolytes similar to those found in natural tears. Enjoy the freedom to wear your soft or RGP lenses while experiencing long-lasting comfort
- Moisturizes Dry Lenses: The Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops rewet and moisturize lenses before insertion and during wear, moisturizing and refreshing lenses. They reduce the feeling of contact lens dryness to help maintain comfort to the end of the day and reduce discomfort that may lead to removing your lenses early
- Trusted Brand: Blink has a range of products to meet your eye and contact lens care needs, from drops for dry eyes to lock in moisture, to preservative-free formulas; and contact lens drops to keep your contacts clean and hydrated. Blink products provide comfort and hydration, to help your eyes and contacts feel moisturized
- The information below is per-pack only
- Relief with Every Blink: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops moisturize dry contact lenses to provide long-lasting comfort. These drops work with the eye's natural tears to help keep your contact lenses feeling fresh and comfortable all day
- Hydration Boost with Hyaluronate: Our moisturizing eye drops instantly moisturize dry lenses. Our unique hyaluronate formulate works as a hydration booster to help contacts stay refreshed and comfortable through end of day
- Comfort till End of Day: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops are formulated with beneficial electrolytes similar to those found in natural tears. Enjoy the freedom to wear your soft or RGP lenses while experiencing long-lasting comfort
- Moisturizes Dry Lenses: The Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops rewet and moisturize lenses before insertion and during wear, moisturizing and refreshing lenses. They reduce the feeling of contact lens dryness to help maintain comfort to the end of the day and reduce discomfort that may lead to removing your lenses early
- Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops give you a refreshing burst of moisture for added comfort when wearing contact lenses
- Removes particles that cause irritation
- Helps prevent deposit build-up
- For Use with all Silicone Hydrogel and other Soft Contact Lenses
- ENHANCED FORMULA: Dry eye relief scientifically designed for contact lens wearers
- FAST ACTING: Instantly lubricates and wets contact lenses to relieve dryness, burning, irritation, and discomfort in the eye
- EASY TO USE: You may keep your contacts in during application
- INNOVATIVE: The only artificial tears for contact lens wearers with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), glycerin, hyaluronic acid (HA) (inactive ingredient), and HydroCell technology
- SOOTHING: Safe to use as often as needed and as a contact lens rewetter
- NATURALLY INSPIRED INGREDIENTS: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are enhanced with HA (Hyaluronan), Antioxidant (Protects HA from free radicals), and Electrolyte.
- LASTING MOISTURE: For up to 8 hours of moisture (based on a laboratory study) and to help prevent deposit buildup.
- REWETTING DROPS FOR CONTACT LENSES: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are the first preservative free multi-dose contact lens drops.
- BIOTRUE CONTACT LENS DROPS: Not only are Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts free of preservatives but they are also pH balanced for comfort.
- EYE DROPS & MORE: Bausch + Lomb makes eye care products you can trust, from contact lens solutions to eye drops, vitamins, & ointments to help your contacts and eyes feel moisturized and protected.
- Relief with Every Blink: Over the course of the day, a film of protein and other material can build up on your contact lenses, irritating your eyes. Blink eye drops for contact lenses provide convenient and gentle in-eye contact lens cleaning
- Clean & Moisturize: Blink sterile, preserved rewetting drops for contact lenses do more than just moisturize, they clean too. The dual cleansing formula gently removes build up and moisturizes your contact lenses while you wear them
- On-the-Go Cleaning: Experience the convenience of in-eye cleaning. These contact lens eye drops gently remove particles and material that can cause irritation and discomfort, keeping your lenses feeling fresh and your vision clear
- Works for All Lenses: Whether you wear soft or rigid gas permeable lenses, our contact rewetting drops instantly moisturize and gently cleanse your lenses. Enjoy the benefits of a moisturizing and cleansing solution that suits your contact lens type
- Trusted Brand: Blink has a range of products to meet your eye and contact lens care needs, from drops for dry eyes to lock in moisture, to preservative-free formulas; and contact lens drops to keep your contacts clean and hydrated. Blink products provide comfort and hydration, to help your eyes and contacts feel moisturized
- The information below is per-pack only
- Relief with Every Blink: Over the course of the day, a film of protein and other material can build up on your contact lenses, irritating your eyes. Blink eye drops for contact lenses provide convenient and gentle in-eye contact lens cleaning
- Clean & Moisturize: Blink sterile, preserved rewetting drops for contact lenses do more than just moisturize, they clean too. The dual cleansing formula gently removes build up and moisturizes your contact lenses while you wear them
- On-the-Go Cleaning: Experience the convenience of in-eye cleaning. These contact lens eye drops gently remove particles and material that can cause irritation and discomfort, keeping your lenses feeling fresh and your vision clear
- Works for All Lenses: Whether you wear soft or rigid gas permeable lenses, our contact rewetting drops instantly moisturize and gently cleanse your lenses. Enjoy the benefits of a moisturizing and cleansing solution that suits your contact lens type
- Moistens and Refreshes Lenses: These rewetting drops moisten and refresh lenses for greater wearing comfort. It also helps remove particulate material that may cause minor irritation, discomfort, dryness, blurring, and itchiness while wearing your lenses
- Comfortable Lens Wearing: These lubricating eye drops for contact lens wearers help remove particulate material that may cause minor irritation, discomfort, dryness, blurring, and itchiness while wearing your lenses
- Helps Prevent Protein Buildup: Only OPTI-FREE Puremoist Rewetting Drops for contact lenses contain patented RLM-100, which helps prevent protein buildup on soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses, when used as directed
- Easy On-the-Go Application: A simple drop-and-blink routine allows for quick use whenever needed, offering a convenient refresh while wearing your lenses
- Made for Soft & Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: Formulated for compatibility with soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel lenses, these rewetting drops for soft contact lenses provide on-the-go moisture support to help keep lenses comfortable and hydrated while wearing
Eye Drops for Contact Lens Wearers: Your Complete Buying Guide
Wearing contact lenses is convenient, but sometimes your eyes can feel dry or irritated. Eye drops designed for contact lens wearers can offer relief. This guide helps you choose the best ones for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for eye drops for your contacts, keep these important features in mind:
Lubrication and Comfort
- Moisture Replenishment: The best drops add moisture to your eyes. This makes them feel less dry and more comfortable, especially after a long day.
- Reduced Irritation: Look for drops that soothe redness and stinging. They should make your eyes feel calm.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Some drops provide comfort for hours. This is great if you wear your lenses all day.
Compatibility with Lenses
- “For Contact Lens Wearers” Label: This is the most crucial feature. These drops are made to be safe and effective with your lenses.
- No Buildup: Good drops won’t leave sticky residue on your lenses. This keeps your vision clear.
- Preservative-Free Options: Some people are sensitive to preservatives. Preservative-free drops are a gentler choice.
Convenience
- Easy-to-Use Bottle: A bottle with a dropper tip that’s easy to control helps you put the drops in without spills.
- Small Size: Travel-sized bottles are easy to carry in your purse or pocket for on-the-go relief.
2. Important Materials
What’s inside the bottle matters. Here are some common ingredients:
- Lubricants: These are the main ingredients that add moisture. Common ones include:
- Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): This is a popular choice that mimics natural tears.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient holds a lot of water, providing excellent hydration.
- Glycerin: Another effective humectant that attracts moisture.
- Electrolytes: Things like potassium and sodium help balance the fluid in your eyes.
- Buffers: These keep the pH of the drops similar to your natural tears. This prevents stinging.
- Preservatives (in some drops): These prevent germs from growing in the bottle. However, they can sometimes cause irritation for sensitive eyes. Examples include Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK).
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make eye drops better or worse for you.
Quality Enhancers
- Preservative-Free Formula: As mentioned, these are often better for people with sensitive eyes or those who use drops frequently.
- pH Balanced: Drops that match your eye’s natural pH feel more comfortable.
- Sterile Packaging: This ensures the drops are clean and safe to use.
- Trusted Brands: Well-known brands often have good quality control.
Quality Reducers
- Harsh Preservatives: Some preservatives, like BAK, can be too strong for some users and may damage the eye surface over time.
- Wrong Type of Drops: Using regular artificial tears not made for contacts can cause problems. They might interact with the lens material or leave a film.
- Expired Products: Always check the expiration date. Old drops can become contaminated or less effective.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these drops, and what do they experience?
When to Use Them
- Dryness: If your eyes feel dry, scratchy, or gritty.
- After Long Wear: When you’ve worn your contacts for many hours.
- In Dry Environments: In air-conditioned rooms, on airplanes, or in windy conditions.
- Before Inserting Lenses: Some people use a drop to make inserting lenses easier.
- During Wear: You can often use them while your lenses are in your eyes for immediate relief.
What Users Report
- Quick Relief: Many users find that the drops offer fast comfort.
- Clearer Vision: By adding moisture, the drops can improve vision clarity that was blurred by dryness.
- Comfortable All Day: Good drops help wearers feel comfortable from morning to night.
- Gentle on Eyes: Users with sensitive eyes often appreciate preservative-free options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Eye Drops with Contacts
Q: Can I use any eye drops with my contact lenses?
A: No, you should only use eye drops specifically labeled “for contact lens wearers.” Other types might damage your lenses or irritate your eyes.
Q: What does “preservative-free” mean for eye drops?
A: Preservative-free eye drops do not contain chemicals that kill germs. This makes them a gentler option for sensitive eyes and for people who use drops often.
Q: How often can I use these eye drops?
A: You can usually use them as needed throughout the day. Check the product label for specific instructions. If you need to use them very often, talk to your eye doctor.
Q: Will these drops make my contact lenses cloudy?
A: High-quality eye drops designed for contacts should not make your lenses cloudy. They are formulated to stay clear and work well with lens materials.
Q: Can I use eye drops if my eyes are red and irritated?
A: Yes, many eye drops for contact lens wearers are designed to soothe redness and irritation. However, if your irritation is severe or doesn’t go away, see your eye doctor.
Q: What should I do if my eyes burn after using eye drops?
A: If your eyes burn, stop using the drops. It could be an ingredient you are sensitive to, or the drops might not be compatible with your lenses. Try a different brand or a preservative-free option, or consult your eye doctor.
Q: Can I use eye drops to clean my contact lenses?
A: No, these are lubricating drops for comfort. They are not cleaning solutions. You must use the proper multipurpose solution or hydrogen peroxide system to clean and store your lenses.
Q: How do I store my eye drops?
A: Most eye drops should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Check the product packaging for the best storage instructions.
Q: How long do preservative-free eye drops last after opening?
A: Preservative-free eye drops typically have a shorter shelf life after opening, often around 28 days. Discard any remaining solution after this time.
Q: When should I see an eye doctor about my dry eyes?
A: You should see an eye doctor if your dry eye symptoms are severe, persistent, or if eye drops don’t provide enough relief. They can diagnose the cause and recommend the best treatment for you.