Using eyedrops with contacts depends on the drop type; only preservative-free or contact-safe drops are safe to use while wearing lenses.
Understanding the Interaction Between Eyedrops and Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses changes how your eyes interact with substances like eyedrops. Contacts sit directly on your cornea, creating a barrier that can trap liquids, including eyedrops, between the lens and your eye. This alters how the drops function and can affect both your eye health and lens condition.
Not all eyedrops are formulated with contacts in mind. Some contain preservatives or ingredients that can bind to lenses, causing discomfort, cloudiness, or even damage. Others may be completely safe and even beneficial for contact lens wearers, such as rewetting drops designed to alleviate dryness without harming the lenses.
The key is understanding the type of eyedrops you have and the specific instructions regarding their use with contacts. Using the wrong drops can lead to irritation, infections, or reduced lens lifespan. On the other hand, the right drops can improve comfort and maintain eye health during lens wear.
Types of Eyedrops and Their Compatibility With Contacts
Eyedrops come in various formulations, each serving a different purpose. Knowing which drops work with your contacts is crucial.
1. Rewetting Drops Specifically Made for Contacts
These drops are designed to moisturize your eyes and lenses without harmful chemicals. They help relieve dryness, redness, and irritation caused by wearing lenses for extended periods. Their ingredients are safe for contact materials and won’t cause lens clouding or damage.
2. Preserved Artificial Tears
Many artificial tears contain preservatives to prolong shelf life. These preservatives can stick to lenses, causing discomfort or allergic reactions. They are generally not recommended for use while wearing contacts unless explicitly labeled as safe.
3. Preservative-Free Artificial Tears
These drops lack preservatives, reducing the risk of irritation or lens damage. They’re usually safer for contact wearers, but it’s best to remove your lenses before application unless the product states it’s safe to use with contacts.
4. Medicated Eyedrops
Drops prescribed for infections, allergies, or glaucoma often contain strong ingredients and preservatives. Most of these should not be used with contacts in place since they can cause serious irritation or damage lenses.
5. Redness-Relief Drops
These drops temporarily constrict blood vessels to reduce redness but often contain vasoconstrictors and preservatives that can harm your lenses and eyes if used with contacts.
How Eyedrops Interact With Contact Lenses
Eyedrops can behave differently when applied over contact lenses compared to direct application on the eye surface.
When you put eyedrops on while wearing lenses, the drops first interact with the lens material before reaching your eye. This can:
- Dilute the drop’s effectiveness: Some medication may bind to the lens surface.
- Cause lens discoloration: Preservatives or certain compounds may stain or cloud lenses.
- Trap irritants: Drops containing preservatives can accumulate under the lens, leading to discomfort.
- Alter lens fit: Some drops may cause lenses to swell or change shape temporarily.
Because of these interactions, many eye care professionals recommend removing lenses before applying most types of eyedrops, except for those specifically designed for use with contacts.
Guidelines for Using Eyedrops While Wearing Contacts
If you need to use eyedrops but don’t want to remove your lenses, follow these practical tips to protect your eyes and lenses:
1. Choose Contact-Compatible Drops
Always check the label for phrases like “safe for contact lens wearers” or “compatible with contacts.” These drops are formulated without harmful preservatives and won’t damage lenses.
2. Avoid Redness-Relief Drops With Contacts
Redness-relief drops often contain vasoconstrictors and preservatives that irritate eyes and damage lenses. It’s best to remove lenses before using these drops.
3. Follow Proper Application Technique
Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and apply one drop in the eye without blinking immediately. Blink gently afterward to spread the drop evenly.
4. Remove Lenses for Medicated Drops
For any prescription or medicated eyedrops, always take out your lenses first unless your eye doctor instructs otherwise.
5. Maintain Lens Hygiene
If you accidentally apply non-compatible drops, remove your lenses promptly and clean them according to instructions before reinsertion.
The Risks of Using Non-Compatible Eyedrops With Contacts
Ignoring compatibility can lead to several problems:
- Eye irritation and redness: Preservatives trapped under lenses can inflame the eye.
- Infections: Damaged lenses or irritated eyes increase infection risk.
- Lens damage: Clouding, discoloration, or warping of lenses reduces vision quality.
- Reduced comfort: Burning sensations and dryness worsen when incompatible drops are used.
These issues may require professional intervention and could lead to temporary discontinuation of lens wear.
Contact Lens Rewetting Drops: What Makes Them Special?
Rewetting drops are a lifesaver for many contact lens users. They’re designed specifically to:
- Moisturize dry eyes: Contacts can reduce tear exchange, causing dryness.
- Lubricate lenses: Preventing lens dehydration keeps them comfortable.
- Flush out debris: Drops help remove dust or small particles trapped under lenses.
- Preserve lens integrity: Ingredients are compatible with lens materials.
Most rewetting drops are preservative-free or contain mild preservatives that won’t harm lenses even if used frequently throughout the day.
Eye Health Tips While Wearing Contacts
Maintaining good eye health while wearing contacts involves more than just choosing the right drops:
- Follow recommended lens replacement schedules: Overwearing lenses increases risks.
- Keep hands clean: Always wash hands before handling lenses or applying drops.
- Avoid sleeping with lenses: Unless specifically prescribed extended wear, sleeping in contacts invites infection.
- Use proper cleaning solutions: Never substitute saline for disinfecting solutions.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly to keep eyes naturally moist.
- Avoid smoking and allergens: These can exacerbate dryness and irritation.
By integrating these habits with proper eyedrop use, you’ll enhance comfort and protect your vision.
Table: Common Eyedrop Types and Contact Lens Compatibility
| Eyedrop Type | Safe With Contacts? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Lens Rewetting Drops | Yes | Formulated specifically for use with contacts; preservative-free options preferred. |
| Preserved Artificial Tears | No | Preservatives can irritate eyes and damage lenses; remove lenses before use. |
| Preservative-Free Artificial Tears | Usually No (unless labeled) | Generally safer but best applied without lenses; check product instructions. |
| Medicated Eyedrops (Antibiotics, Allergies) | No | Strong ingredients; always remove contacts before application unless advised otherwise. |
| Redness-Relief Drops | No | Contain vasoconstrictors harmful to lens materials and eyes when worn. |
The Science Behind Eyedrop Ingredients and Lens Materials
Contact lenses are made from various polymers like hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, each interacting differently with eyedrop ingredients.
Preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK) are common in many eyedrops but tend to adhere strongly to lens surfaces. This adherence causes a buildup that irritates the cornea and reduces lens clarity. Silicone hydrogel lenses are particularly susceptible because of their oxygen permeability and surface properties.
On the flip side, rewetting drops often use ingredients like polyethylene glycol or propylene glycol in low concentrations that mimic natural tears without binding to lenses. These lubricants restore moisture without compromising lens structure.
Understanding this chemistry helps explain why some drops are safe while others are not during contact lens wear.
The Role of Your Eye Care Professional
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist is the best resource when it comes to safely using eyedrops with contact lenses. They can:
- Recommend appropriate rewetting drops tailored to your lens type.
- Prescribe medicated drops compatible with your contacts when necessary.
- Advise on the timing of eyedrop application relative to lens insertion/removal.
- Troubleshoot discomfort related to eyedrop use or lens wear.
Never hesitate to ask about specific products or concerns regarding eyedrop use during routine checkups.
Troubleshooting Common Problems When Using Eyedrops With Contacts
Irritation After Applying Drops
If you experience burning, redness, or excessive tearing after applying drops with contacts in place, this usually indicates incompatibility. Remove your lenses immediately and rinse your eyes with sterile saline if possible.
Lenses Feeling Cloudy or Sticky
Some drops cause deposits on lenses, making vision blurry. Clean your lenses thoroughly before reinserting them or switch to a different drop formulated for contact wearers.
Persistent Dryness Despite Drops
If dryness continues even after using rewetting drops, reassess your lens type, wearing schedule, and environmental factors like air conditioning or screen time that contribute to dryness.
Key Takeaways: Can You Put Eyedrops In While Wearing Contacts?
➤ Use only contact-safe eyedrops to avoid irritation or damage.
➤ Remove contacts first if using medicated or redness-relief drops.
➤ Consult your eye doctor before combining drops with contacts.
➤ Wait before reinserting contacts after applying eyedrops.
➤ Follow instructions carefully to maintain eye health and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Eyedrops In While Wearing Contacts Safely?
You can use eyedrops while wearing contacts only if they are specifically labeled as contact-safe or preservative-free. Using the wrong type can cause irritation, lens cloudiness, or damage. Always check the product instructions before applying drops with lenses in place.
What Types of Eyedrops Are Safe to Use With Contact Lenses?
Rewetting drops made for contacts and preservative-free artificial tears are generally safe to use while wearing lenses. Avoid preserved artificial tears and medicated drops unless your eye care professional advises otherwise, as they may harm your lenses or eyes.
Why Should You Avoid Medicated Eyedrops While Wearing Contacts?
Medicated eyedrops often contain strong ingredients and preservatives that can irritate your eyes and damage contact lenses. It is usually recommended to remove your lenses before using these drops to prevent discomfort and potential harm.
How Do Contact Lenses Affect Eyedrop Function?
Contact lenses sit on your cornea and can trap eyedrops between the lens and eye. This changes how the drops work, potentially reducing effectiveness or causing irritation. Choosing the right type of drops helps maintain comfort and eye health during lens wear.
Can Redness-Relief Drops Be Used With Contact Lenses?
Most redness-relief drops contain preservatives that may not be safe for contact lenses. Using them with lenses in place can cause discomfort or damage. It’s best to remove your contacts before applying these drops or consult your eye care provider for recommendations.
Conclusion – Can You Put Eyedrops In While Wearing Contacts?
The answer hinges on the type of eyedrops you intend to use. Only rewetting drops specifically formulated for contact lens wearers are safe to apply without removing your lenses. Most other eyedrops—especially those containing preservatives, medications, or vasoconstrictors—require you to take out your contacts first to avoid irritation, infection risk, or lens damage. Always read labels carefully and consult your eye care professional if unsure. Proper eyedrop use preserves both eye health and contact lens comfort, ensuring clear vision throughout your day.