Contact lens wearers often experience dryness or irritation, leading to a desire for eye drop relief. While eye drops provide comfort, not all are suitable for contact lenses. Understanding correct eye drop types and application methods is important for eye health and lens comfort.
Types of Eye Drops Safe for Contact Lenses
Eye drops formulated for contact lens wearers are safe. Labeled “for contacts,” these products include rewetting and lubricating drops. Rewetting drops moisturize the eye and contact lens, alleviating dryness and discomfort. They rehydrate the lens and provide a soothing layer.
Safe formulations feature gentle, preservative-free ingredients or light-dissolving preservatives, preventing lens absorption. Common ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and polyethylene glycol lubricate the eye and maintain moisture. Preservative-free options, often in single-dose vials, suit sensitive eyes or frequent use, as traditional preservatives can accumulate in soft lenses and cause irritation. Some also contain surfactants to reduce deposit buildup.
Eye Drops to Avoid When Wearing Contacts
Certain eye drops should not be used with contact lenses due to negative interactions with the lens or eye. Redness-reducing drops contain vasoconstrictors (e.g., tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline) that shrink blood vessels to reduce redness. These ingredients can cause deposits on the lens, leading to cloudiness or discomfort. Repeated use can also lead to “rebound redness,” where eyes become redder after use, creating dependency.
Medicated eye drops (e.g., for allergies, glaucoma, infections) require contact lenses removed before application. Active ingredients are not designed to interact with contact lenses; they can be absorbed by the lens, reducing effectiveness or causing contamination. Some preservatives, especially Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK), are problematic. BAK can bind and accumulate in soft contact lenses, particularly high-water content ones. Its release can cause irritation, corneal damage, or even change lens color.
Proper Application Techniques
Applying eye drops safely with contact lenses requires specific steps. Thoroughly wash and dry hands with a lint-free towel before handling eye products or touching eyes. If drops are not labeled for contact use or are medicated, remove lenses before instilling.
To apply, gently tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down to create a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye, ensuring the tip avoids contact with your eye, eyelid, or any surface, to prevent contamination. Squeeze a single drop into the pouch, then gently close your eye and blink to distribute the liquid. If lenses were removed, wait 10-15 minutes before reinserting to allow absorption and prevent lens interaction. Always check the expiration date and store as recommended for sterility and effectiveness.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Eye drops offer temporary relief for minor dryness or irritation but are not a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Consult an eye care professional if persistent symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter drops or if new, concerning symptoms develop. Symptoms include ongoing eye discomfort, persistent redness, or eye pain.
Blurred vision not clearing with blinking, excessive tearing, or unusual eye discharge also warrant professional evaluation. Light sensitivity or a sensation of something in your eye indicate an eye doctor visit. Such symptoms could signal an infection, allergic reaction, contact lens fit or material issues, or a more serious ocular condition requiring medical intervention.