What Eye Drops Are Safe to Use With Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses and find yourself reaching for eye drops, you’re not alone. Whether it’s to soothe dryness, clear up redness, or relieve irritation, eye drops can be helpful but only if you use the right kind. Some drops are perfectly safe to use with contacts, while others can cause cloudiness, discomfort, or even damage to your lenses and eyes.

Knowing which types of drops to use (and avoid) is essential for both comfort and eye health. Here’s what you need to know.

Eye Drops You Can Use With Contact Lenses

Some eye drops are specifically designed to be compatible with contact lenses. These typically hydrate the eye and lens simultaneously, improving comfort and visual clarity.

Rewetting Drops

• Specifically labeled “for use with contact lenses”

• Hydrate both the eye and the lens

• Often recommended for daily use by eye care professionals

• Help flush out debris that can accumulate under the lens

These drops are typically found near contact lens cleaning solutions and are a go-to for anyone who experiences dryness, irritation, or fatigue after several hours of wear.

Dry Eye Drops (Use With Caution) While dry eye drops can be helpful, not all are contact-lens-friendly. Some thicker formulations may temporarily blur vision or leave a residue on the lens.

Tips for choosing dry eye drops:

• Look for “contact lens safe” on the label

• Avoid thicker gels or ointments unless your doctor recommends them

• When in doubt, call your eye care provider

Eye Drops to Avoid While Wearing Contacts

Even if your eyes feel dry or look red, certain eye drops should never be used while your lenses are in. These can worsen symptoms or lead to complications if used improperly.

Vasoconstrictor Drops (“Get the Red Out”)

• Contain ingredients that shrink blood vessels in the eye

• May deposit residue on lenses and cause blurriness

• Can lead to rebound redness (red eyes returning worse after the drops wear off)

• Overuse can hide signs of infection or inflammation

If your eyes are red, remove your contacts before using these drops, and wait until the redness clears before putting them back in.

Medicated Eye Drops

• Used for infections (like pink eye), allergies, or injuries

• Typically not safe for use with lenses

• Can irritate the eye or reduce the effectiveness of the medication if used improperly

Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions with medicated drops, and avoid wearing contacts until your eye is healed.

Which Eye Drops Are Best?

For most contact lens wearers, rewetting drops are the safest and most effective option. They’re designed to keep both your eyes and your lenses comfortable. If you have chronic dry eye or other conditions, speak to your doctor about safe alternatives.

Know When to Remove Your Lenses

Even if you're using the right drops, there are times when contacts need to come out. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should remove your lenses immediately if you experience:

• Red or irritated eyes

• Eye pain or soreness

• Increased light sensitivity

• Blurry or hazy vision

• Excessive tearing

• Discharge from the eyes

If symptoms last more than a few hours or worsen, contact your eye care provider. Prompt treatment can help prevent more serious issues like corneal infections.

Final Tips for Safe Use

• Always read labels before using any eye drops with contacts

• Store rewetting drops with your contact lens supplies

• Never use another person’s medicated drops

• Consider removing lenses before applying drops not labeled for contact use

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