Certain eye drops can be used withcontact lenses, including rewetting drops that make the eyes feel more comfortable.
However, some eye drops shouldnotbe used with contact lenses and may end up causing eye irritation and redness.
It also explains when to remove your contacts and call your eye doctor when problems arise.
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Types of Eye Drops That Can Be Used With Contacts
Eye drops are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
As a general rule, buy only those labeled “For use with contact lenses.”
Always read the label before purchasing and using eye drops.
Rewetting Eye Drops
Contact lens eye drops are often called rewetting drops.
Dry Eye Drops
Dry eye drops come in a variety of formulations.
Some are thicker than others and may actually cloud your vision or gum up your contact lenses.
If unsure, call your eye doctor.
Vasoconstrictor Eye Drops
“Get the red out” eye drops have special ingredients calledvasoconstrictors.
If used to rewet your lenses on an ongoing basis, vasoconstrictor eye drops can also cause rebound redness.
Medicated Eye Drops
Medicated eye drops are rarely intended for use with contact lenses.
What Eye Drops Work Best With Contacts?
The best eye drops for contact lenses are rewetting eye drops.
Dry eye drops may be OK but can sometimes be thick and cause blurriness.
Rewetting eye drops are specifically designed for contact lenses to make them more comfortable in the eye.
For example, daily disposable lenses are meant to be thrown away after one day of usage.
It is not recommended to usecontact solutionas eye drops.
If the solution repeatedly touches your eye, over time it can cause irritation and redness.
Contact solutions contain ingredients that are meant to clean the lenses between use.
You should not use Visine while wearing contacts.
The product label on Visine recommends removing contact lenses before use.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Redness-relieving eye drops.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cleaning, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses.
American Optometric Association.Types of contact lenses.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.Visine Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action.
