Eye Drops with Contacts: Is It the Right Solution for You?

For millions of people worldwide, contact lenses offer a convenient and effective solution for vision correction. However, they often come with their own set of challenges, such as dryness, irritation, or discomfort, especially during long hours of wear. Many contact lens users wonder if eye drops can help alleviate these issues while wearing lenses.

The short answer is yes, but only certain types of eye drops are suitable for use with contact lenses. Using the wrong eye drops can lead to discomfort or even damage to the lenses. This guide provides everything you need to know about using eye drops with contacts safely, including types of drops to use, tips for application, and expert advice for keeping your eyes healthy.

How to Know if You Can Use Eye Drops with Contacts?

For millions of contact lens users worldwide, maintaining eye health and comfort is crucial. A common question is whether eye drops can be used while wearing contact lenses. The answer? Not all eye drops are suitable for use with contact lenses. Choosing the wrong type can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, or even damage to your lenses.

The key lies in understanding the types of eye drops and their compatibility with your contacts. Broadly, eye drops fall into two categories: those specifically formulated for contact lens wearers and those that aren’t.

Eye Drops That Can Be Used with Contacts

1. Rewetting Drops

Rewetting drops are specially designed for contact lens users. They help relieve dryness, refresh your lenses, and improve comfort throughout the day. According to a report by the Vision Council, 50% of contact lens users experience dryness at some point, making rewetting drops essential.

2. Multipurpose Drops

Some brands offer multipurpose drops that clean, disinfect, and hydrate your lenses. These drops are compatible with soft and gas-permeable lenses and are excellent for people prone to allergies or irritation.

3. Lubricating Drops for Contacts

Look for lubricating drops labeled “for use with contact lenses.” These drops provide moisture and are free of harsh preservatives that could damage lenses or irritate the eyes.

Eye Drops That Cannot Be Used with Contacts

1. Medicated Eye Drops

Medicated drops, like those for allergies, infections, or glaucoma, are typically not suitable for use with contact lenses. They may contain active ingredients that can adhere to your lenses, causing irritation or reducing their effectiveness.

2. Preservative-Heavy Drops

Drops containing preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK) should be avoided, as these can damage your lenses or lead to discomfort over time.

3. Redness-Relieving Drops

Drops marketed to “reduce redness” often shrink blood vessels in your eyes. These may not be suitable for contact lenses because they can cause dryness or irritate sensitive eyes.

How to Put Eye Drops In With Contact Lenses

Applying eye drops while wearing contact lenses may seem tricky, but following these steps ensures safety and effectiveness:

1. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria to your eyes.
2. Check the Label: Ensure the drops are labeled as safe for contact lens use.
3. Tilt Your Head Back: Look up, pull down your lower eyelid, and hold the bottle a few inches above your eye.
4. Apply One Drop at a Time: Avoid touching your eye or lenses with the dropper tip.
5. Blink Gently: Blink a few times to distribute the drop evenly over your lens.

Signs You Should Take Your Contacts Out

Using eye drops doesn’t always solve every issue. Here are signs that indicate you should remove your contacts immediately:

1. Redness or Irritation: Persistent redness may signal an allergic reaction or infection.
2. Blurry Vision: If your vision doesn’t clear up after applying drops, take out your lenses and consult an eye care specialist.
3. Severe Dryness: When drops fail to relieve dryness, your lenses may be contributing to the problem.
4. Pain or Discomfort: If wearing contacts becomes painful, remove them and inspect for damage or debris.

Things to Remember When Using Eye Drops for Contact Lenses

1. Follow Your Optometrist’s Advice: Always consult your eye care professional about which drops to use.
2. Replace Lenses as Recommended: Overwearing contacts can exacerbate dryness and irritation.
3. Check Expiry Dates: Expired eye drops can harm your eyes and damage your lenses.
4. Avoid Overuse: Excessive use of eye drops can cause dependency or mask underlying issues.
5. Carry Travel-Friendly Drops: For long days or travel, keep a small bottle of rewetting drops handy.

How to Overcome Contact Lens Dryness?

Dry eyes are one of the most common complaints among contact lens wearers, affecting nearly 30% to 50% of users globally (American Academy of Ophthalmology). Here’s how to combat it:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps maintain natural eye moisture.
2. Use a Humidifier: Increase indoor humidity to prevent your eyes from drying out.
3. Take Breaks from Screens: The 20-20-20 rule (look away every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can reduce eye strain.
4. Try Daily Lenses: Switching to daily disposable lenses minimizes the risk of dryness and irritation caused by buildup on lenses.
5. Consider Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids may improve tear production and reduce inflammation.

Why Use Eye Drops with Contacts?

Contact lenses, while incredibly useful, can sometimes cause dryness, irritation, or a gritty feeling in the eyes. These issues are common, especially for people who:

• Spend long hours staring at screens, which reduces the blink rate by up to 66%.
• Live in dry or air-conditioned environments.
• Have naturally dry eyes or low tear production.
• Wear contact lenses for extended periods, beyond the recommended daily limit.

Using the right eye drops with contact lenses can:

1. Relieve Dryness: Rewetting drops provide essential moisture to prevent the lenses from drying out and sticking to the eyes.
2. Improve Comfort: Proper lubrication reduces irritation and helps lenses feel more natural.
3. Prevent Eye Strain: Hydrated eyes are less likely to feel strained or tired after prolonged use of contacts.
4. Enhance Lens Longevity: Rewetting drops help clear debris and protein buildup on the lenses, improving their usability and clarity.

In short, eye drops designed for contact lenses can significantly enhance your wearing experience and promote better eye health.

Conclusion:

Using eye drops with contact lenses can enhance comfort and maintain eye health, but it’s essential to choose the right type. Rewetting and lubricating drops designed for contact lens wearers are safe, while medicated or preservative-heavy drops should be avoided. By understanding your eye care needs and following these guidelines, you can enjoy a seamless contact lens-wearing experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use artificial tears with contacts?

Yes, but only if they are labeled as safe for use with contact lenses.

2. What should I do if my eyes burn after using eye drops?

Remove your lenses immediately, rinse your eyes with saline solution, and consult an eye care specialist.

3. How often can I use rewetting drops?

Most rewetting drops can be used as needed, but follow the instructions on the label or your optometrist’s advice.

4. Can I use allergy drops with contacts?

It depends. Some allergy drops are designed for contact lens wearers, while others require you to remove your lenses before application.

5. What happens if I use the wrong eye drops with contacts?

Using incompatible drops can cause irritation, blurry vision, or damage to your lenses.