Contact Lens Wear and The Onset of Dry Eyes
Many contact lens wearers experience discomfort and dryness [1.10.1]. A contact lens is a foreign object that sits on your eye's tear film, potentially disrupting its natural balance and stability [1.2.1]. This disruption can reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea and lead to increased tear evaporation, causing classic dry eye symptoms like a gritty or stinging sensation, redness, and blurred vision [1.10.2, 1.11.2]. In fact, contact lens wearers are five times more likely to report dry eye symptoms compared to those who only wear glasses [1.10.1]. This widespread issue leads many to seek relief through over-the-counter eye drops.
The Crucial Difference: Not All Eye Drops Are Created Equal
It is a common misconception that any artificial tear is safe to use while wearing contact lenses. However, using the wrong type of drop can lead to discomfort, cloudy or damaged lenses, and even make dryness worse [1.5.1, 1.12.2]. The primary distinction lies in their formulation, specifically the presence and type of preservatives.
The Problem with Preservatives
Many standard eye drops contain preservatives to prevent bacterial growth in the multi-dose bottle after it's opened [1.2.1]. One of the most common preservatives, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), is known to be toxic to the cells on the eye's surface and can cause irritation [1.7.2, 1.7.4]. When wearing soft contact lenses, these preservatives can be absorbed by the lens material. This traps the chemical against your cornea, leading to prolonged irritation, inflammation, and potential discoloration or damage to the contact lens itself [1.5.1, 1.7.1].
Types of Contact-Safe Eye Drops
To safely relieve dryness while wearing contacts, you must choose drops specifically designed for this purpose. These generally fall into two main categories:
- Rewetting Drops: These are formulated specifically to be used with contact lenses still in the eye. Their packaging will clearly state that they are "for contacts" or for "contact lens relief" [1.2.1]. Rewetting drops lubricate both the eye and the lens, improving comfort and helping to clear out debris that may get trapped underneath [1.3.4].
- Preservative-Free (PF) Artificial Tears: These are an excellent and often recommended option for contact lens wearers, especially those with sensitive eyes or who need to apply drops frequently [1.4.1, 1.4.2]. Because they lack preservatives, there is no risk of chemical buildup in the lenses. They typically come in single-use vials that should be discarded after one application to maintain sterility [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. Some newer products use special bottle technology with filters that allow for multi-dose preservative-free options [1.6.2].
Comparison: Choosing the Right Drops for Your Contacts
Understanding the options is key to making a safe choice in the pharmacy aisle. Always read the label and, when in doubt, consult an eye doctor.
| Feature | Rewetting Drops | Preservative-Free (PF) Artificial Tears | Regular Eye Drops (with Preservatives) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use with Contacts In? | Yes [1.3.4] | Yes [1.13.2] | NO [1.5.1] |
| Main Purpose | Moisten lenses and eyes for comfort [1.3.4] | Lubricate eyes, mimic natural tears [1.4.1] | General dry eye relief, redness reduction, or allergy treatment [1.5.1] |
| Preservatives | No, or uses gentle, 'disappearing' preservatives [1.6.2] | No [1.4.2] | Yes, often contains BAK [1.7.2] |
| Best For | Quick relief from contact lens-related dryness and irritation. | Frequent users, sensitive eyes, and all contact lens wearers. | Use only when not wearing contact lenses. |
A Guide to Safe Application
Even with the right drops, proper application is necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, then drying them with a lint-free towel [1.2.1].
- Check the Product: Confirm that you are using rewetting drops or preservative-free tears labeled as safe for contacts [1.3.4].
- Position Yourself: Tilt your head back slightly [1.8.1].
- Create a Pocket: Gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket [1.8.1].
- Apply the Drop: Without letting the bottle tip touch your eye or eyelid, squeeze one drop into the pocket [1.8.1].
- Distribute the Lubricant: Close your eye for a moment and blink a few times to spread the drop evenly across your eye and lens [1.2.2].
A special note on medicated drops (for allergies, infections, or glaucoma): These should never be used with contacts in. You must remove your lenses, apply the drop, and wait at least 10-15 minutes before reinserting them [1.9.1, 1.9.3].
What to Avoid: Redness-Relieving and Allergy Drops
It's critical to avoid using certain types of drops while wearing your lenses:
- Redness-Relieving Drops: Products advertised to "get the red out" contain chemicals called vasoconstrictors (like tetrahydrozoline) that shrink the blood vessels on the eye's surface. These ingredients can get absorbed into the lens, cause deposits, and may lead to "rebound redness," making the problem worse over time [1.5.1, 1.12.2].
- Allergy Drops: Medicated drops for allergies contain antihistamines. The medication is not designed to be used with contacts and should be applied 10-15 minutes before inserting your lenses [1.9.1].
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Consult a Professional
So, can you use artificial tears if you wear contacts? The answer is a definitive yes, provided you are vigilant. Always choose products specifically labeled as "rewetting drops" or "for contact lenses," or opt for preservative-free formulas [1.2.1, 1.13.3]. Never use redness-relieving, medicated, or standard preserved artificial tears with your lenses in. If you experience persistent dryness, pain, or redness, remove your contacts and consult your eye care professional. They can recommend the best products for your specific needs and ensure your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
For more information on eye health, you can visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
