Wearing contact lenses often leads to dryness or irritation, causing many people to seek relief with eye drops. However, the chemical composition of eye drops must be compatible with contact lens materials. Using the wrong product can cause discomfort, lens damage, or eye health issues. The primary difference lies in how the lens interacts with the drops’ ingredients, which can be absorbed by the contact material, concentrating chemicals against the eye. Choosing the correct type of drop and following proper application steps ensures a comfortable and healthy contact lens experience.
Identifying Contact-Safe Drops
The safest eye drops to use while wearing contacts are those explicitly labeled as “rewetting drops” or “for use with contact lenses.” These products are chemically compatible with lens materials, such as soft hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. They rehydrate the lens and the eye’s surface, helping to wash away small debris that accumulates throughout the day. Many contact-safe artificial tears contain lubricating agents like hyaluronic acid or viscosity enhancers, which help the drop remain on the eye without clouding the lens.
A primary consideration is the presence of preservatives, often used in multi-dose bottles to prevent microbial growth. Common preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can accumulate in the lens material over time. This accumulation can lead to irritation, redness, or toxicity to corneal cells. For frequent users, preservative-free formulas, typically sold in single-use vials, eliminate this risk of chemical build-up.
Drops That Require Lens Removal
Certain eye drops must not be used while contact lenses are worn, as their ingredients are actively absorbed by the lens material. The most common category to avoid is redness-relieving drops, which contain vasoconstrictors like tetrahydrozoline. These compounds work by temporarily constricting small blood vessels to reduce redness. When a lens absorbs these vasoconstrictors, it holds the medication against the eye, potentially causing chemical irritation and “rebound redness” when the effect wears off.
Thicker, gel-based artificial tears or dry eye drops not specifically designed for contacts should also be avoided. These viscous formulations can adhere to the lens surface, causing immediate blurring or creating a film that interferes with vision.
Most prescription or medicated drops, including those for allergies or infections, also require lens removal before application. The soft lens can soak up the medication, sometimes causing discoloration or concentrating the drug against the cornea.
Safe Application Techniques
For any eye drop, proper technique begins with thorough hand washing using soap and water to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Before application, gently tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid slightly to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle directly over the eye, ensuring the tip does not touch the eye, eyelid, or lashes, as this contaminates the solution. Instill the prescribed number of drops and then blink gently a few times to distribute the liquid evenly across the eye.
If using a drop that requires lens removal, such as a redness reliever or a medicated solution, the timing is important. After applying the drop to the bare eye, wait a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes before reinserting your contact lenses. This waiting period allows the eye to absorb the medication and flush away excess ingredients, ensuring the lens does not absorb residual chemicals.