Wearing contact lenses can sometimes lead to eye discomfort, including dryness or irritation. Many people turn to eye drops for relief, but not all eye drops are suitable for use with contact lenses. Choosing the correct type is important to maintain both eye health and lens integrity.
The Need for Specialized Eye Drops
Contact lenses interact with the eye’s natural tear film, which can lead to dryness and irritation. The tear film is crucial for maintaining a healthy ocular surface and clear vision. When a contact lens is placed on the eye, it divides the tear film, thinning it and disrupting the lipid layer, which can increase tear evaporation and lead to discomfort.
Standard eye drops often contain ingredients, such as certain preservatives, that can accumulate on or damage contact lenses. These preservatives can also irritate the eyes or cause discoloration of the lenses. Some traditional dry eye drops are designed to lubricate the eye itself, not the contact lens, and may contain oils or be too thick, potentially clouding the lens. Therefore, specialized formulations are necessary to ensure compatibility with lens materials and to avoid adverse effects.
Safe Eye Drop Options for Contact Lens Wearers
When selecting eye drops for use with contact lenses, look for products specifically labeled “for use with contact lenses” or “contact lens relief.” These drops are designed to provide moisture and lubrication without harming the lenses or irritating the eyes. They often fall into categories like rewetting drops or lubricating drops.
Rewetting drops are formulated to rehydrate the contact lens and the eye’s surface, helping to reduce dryness and discomfort. They can also clear out debris and residue from under the lenses, making contact lens wear more comfortable. Lubricating drops, sometimes called artificial tears, are thicker and designed for more persistent dryness, working to keep the eye moist and relieve symptoms like burning or itching.
Many contact lens-safe eye drops are preservative-free, which is particularly beneficial for frequent users or those with sensitive eyes. Preservatives, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can build up on contact lenses and cause irritation or damage over time. Preservative-free options typically come in single-dose vials to maintain sterility. Common contact-safe ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and glycerin.
Eye Drops to Never Use with Contacts
Certain types of eye drops should be avoided entirely when wearing contact lenses due to their potential to cause harm or interact negatively with the lenses. Redness relief drops, often containing vasoconstrictors like tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline, are generally not recommended. These ingredients work by shrinking blood vessels in the eye, which temporarily reduces redness.
However, using these drops with contacts can lead to several problems. The vasoconstrictors can cause rebound redness, where the eyes become even redder once the drops wear off, creating a cycle of dependence. Additionally, these chemicals can leave residue on contact lenses, blur vision, or worsen dryness. They also constrict blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, which is already reduced by contact lens wear, increasing the risk of complications like corneal ulcers.
Eye drops containing harsh preservatives, such as thimerosal, should also be avoided, as these can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. This absorption can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, or damage to the lens material. While some artificial tears without specific “for contacts” labeling might seem harmless, many are not formulated for lens compatibility and could cause temporary or permanent clouding of the lenses.
Best Practices for Eye Drop Application
Proper application of eye drops is important for both effectiveness and hygiene when wearing contact lenses. Always begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water and drying them with a lint-free towel to prevent introducing dirt or bacteria to your eyes.
For most eye drops, including many artificial tears and medicated drops, it is recommended to remove your contact lenses before application. After instilling the drops, wait for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses. This waiting period allows the drops to fully absorb and prevents any interaction with the lens material. However, some rewetting drops are specifically designed to be used while lenses are in the eye; always check the product label for these specific instructions.
When applying drops, tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper tip directly over the eye, being careful not to touch the tip to your eye or eyelid to avoid contamination. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one or two drops into the eye. After applying, gently close your eye for a minute or two and avoid blinking excessively to allow the drops to spread and absorb. If using multiple types of eye drops, wait several minutes, typically 3 to 5 minutes, between different medications.
It is always advisable to read the product label carefully for specific instructions regarding contact lens compatibility and application. If you experience persistent discomfort, worsening symptoms, severe redness, or pain, consult an eye care professional. They can diagnose the underlying issue and recommend the most appropriate eye drops for your specific needs.