Do your eyes feel like sandpaper by the end of the day, especially when you’re wearing your contact lenses? You’re not alone! Many contact lens wearers experience dry, itchy, or uncomfortable eyes. It can make wearing your contacts a real struggle, forcing you to take them out early or just endure the discomfort.
Choosing the right eye drops for your dry, contact-wearing eyes can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different kinds, and it’s hard to know which ones are safe to use with your contacts and which ones will actually bring relief. You want drops that soothe your eyes without causing blurry vision or damaging your lenses.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes eyes dry when wearing contacts and, most importantly, guide you through the best types of eye drops to consider. You’ll learn how to find relief so you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision all day long.
Top Eye Drops For Dry Eyes Contacts Recommendations
- Relief with Every Blink: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops moisturize dry contact lenses to provide long-lasting comfort. These drops work with the eye's natural tears to help keep your contact lenses feeling fresh and comfortable all day
- Hydration Boost with Hyaluronate: Our moisturizing eye drops instantly moisturize dry lenses. Our unique hyaluronate formulate works as a hydration booster to help contacts stay refreshed and comfortable through end of day
- Comfort till End of Day: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops are formulated with beneficial electrolytes similar to those found in natural tears. Enjoy the freedom to wear your soft or RGP lenses while experiencing long-lasting comfort
- Moisturizes Dry Lenses: The Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops rewet and moisturize lenses before insertion and during wear, moisturizing and refreshing lenses. They reduce the feeling of contact lens dryness to help maintain comfort to the end of the day and reduce discomfort that may lead to removing your lenses early
- Trusted Brand: Blink has a range of products to meet your eye and contact lens care needs, from drops for dry eyes to lock in moisture, to preservative-free formulas; and contact lens drops to keep your contacts clean and hydrated. Blink products provide comfort and hydration, to help your eyes and contacts feel moisturized
- Innovative formula specially designed for contact lens wearers
- Relieves mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness, irritation, and discomfort associated with contact lens wear
- Hydrocell technology enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the eye's surface
- You may keep your contacts in upon application
- May also be used to lubricate and rewet soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses and to cushion lenses prior to application
- Original strength formula
- Relieves mild symptoms of eye dryness due to contact lens wear
- Instantly moisturizes and lubricates
- You may keep your contacts in upon application
- May also be used to lubricate and rewet soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses and to cushion lenses prior to application
- NATURALLY INSPIRED INGREDIENTS: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are enhanced with HA (Hyaluronan), Antioxidant (Protects HA from free radicals), and Electrolyte.
- LASTING MOISTURE: For up to 8 hours of moisture (based on a laboratory study) and to help prevent deposit buildup.
- REWETTING DROPS FOR CONTACT LENSES: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are the first preservative free multi-dose contact lens drops.
- BIOTRUE CONTACT LENS DROPS: Not only are Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts free of preservatives but they are also pH balanced for comfort.
- EYE DROPS & MORE: Bausch + Lomb makes eye care products you can trust, from contact lens solutions to eye drops, vitamins, & ointments to help your contacts and eyes feel moisturized and protected.
- Moisturize and soothe dry eyes caused by wearing soft and RGP lenses.
- Relief with Every Blink: Over the course of the day, a film of protein and other material can build up on your contact lenses, irritating your eyes. Blink eye drops for contact lenses provide convenient and gentle in-eye contact lens cleaning
- Clean & Moisturize: Blink sterile, preserved rewetting drops for contact lenses do more than just moisturize, they clean too. The dual cleansing formula gently removes build up and moisturizes your contact lenses while you wear them
- On-the-Go Cleaning: Experience the convenience of in-eye cleaning. These contact lens eye drops gently remove particles and material that can cause irritation and discomfort, keeping your lenses feeling fresh and your vision clear
- Works for All Lenses: Whether you wear soft or rigid gas permeable lenses, our contact rewetting drops instantly moisturize and gently cleanse your lenses. Enjoy the benefits of a moisturizing and cleansing solution that suits your contact lens type
- Trusted Brand: Blink has a range of products to meet your eye and contact lens care needs, from drops for dry eyes to lock in moisture, to preservative-free formulas; and contact lens drops to keep your contacts clean and hydrated. Blink products provide comfort and hydration, to help your eyes and contacts feel moisturized
- Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops give you a refreshing burst of moisture for added comfort when wearing contact lenses
- Removes particles that cause irritation
- Helps prevent deposit build-up
- For Use with all Silicone Hydrogel and other Soft Contact Lenses
- IMMEDIATE DRY EYE RELIEF: Quickly alleviates dryness, irritation, and discomfort by replenishing moisture to the eyes.
- MIMICS NATURAL TEARS: Formulated to closely resemble natural tears, providing soothing and effective hydration.
- CONTACT LENS COMPATIBLE: Safe for use with contact lenses, making it convenient for individuals with corrective eyewear.
- GENTLE DAILY FORMULA: Non-irritating and suitable for frequent use to maintain eye comfort throughout the day.
- PROTECTIVE MOISTURE BARRIER: Helps shield eyes from further dryness and irritation caused by environmental factors.
Choosing the Best Eye Drops for Your Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses is convenient, but sometimes your eyes can feel dry and irritated. Dry eyes can make contacts uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are special eye drops designed to help. These drops rehydrate your eyes and lubricate them, making your contacts feel better.
Why Do My Eyes Get Dry with Contacts?
Contact lenses can absorb moisture from your eyes. This can lead to dryness. Also, blinking less when you focus on screens can reduce how often your eyes get a fresh layer of tears. Environmental factors like dry air or wind can also contribute.
Key Features to Look For
Preservative-Free Formulas
Many eye drops contain preservatives to keep them from spoiling. However, preservatives can sometimes irritate sensitive eyes, especially when you use them often. Preservative-free drops come in single-use vials or special bottles. These are a great choice if your eyes are sensitive or you use drops frequently.
Lubrication Level
Eye drops offer different levels of lubrication. Some are lighter and good for mild dryness. Others are thicker and provide more intense relief for severe dryness. Think about how dry your eyes usually feel. This will help you pick the right level of moisture.
Compatibility with Contact Lenses
This is the most important feature! Not all eye drops are safe to use with contact lenses. Some drops can damage your lenses or leave a film on them. Always check the label to make sure the drops are specifically made for use with all types of contact lenses (soft, rigid gas permeable). Look for phrases like “contact lens rewetting drops” or “compatible with all lenses.”
Important Ingredients to Consider
Eye drops use various ingredients to soothe your eyes. Here are a few common ones:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient is a humectant. It attracts and holds water, which helps keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Glycerin: Similar to hyaluronic acid, glycerin is another moisturizing agent. It helps create a smooth surface on your eye.
- Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium: This is a common lubricant. It mimics the natural tears in your eyes.
- Propylene Glycol: This ingredient also helps with lubrication and can provide a cooling sensation.
Avoid drops with redness-reducing ingredients (like tetrahydrozoline). These can mask dryness and might not be good for long-term use with contacts.
Factors That Affect Quality
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Trusted brands often have a history of making good eye care products. Reading reviews from other contact lens wearers can give you real-world insights. What works for one person might not work for another, but common themes in reviews can be helpful.
Packaging
As mentioned, preservative-free options often come in single-use vials or multi-dose bottles with special tips. Single-use vials are generally considered higher quality for sensitive eyes because they are sterile. The special bottles aim to keep preservatives out. A well-designed dropper tip makes application easy and prevents contamination.
Expiration Date
Always check the expiration date. Using expired eye drops can be ineffective and potentially harmful. Once opened, even preservative-free vials should be used immediately and discarded.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most users find relief within minutes of using the right eye drops. They can make a big difference in your daily comfort.
- All-Day Comfort: If you wear contacts for long hours, especially at a computer, these drops can prevent dryness and fatigue.
- Travel: Airplane cabins are often dry. Eye drops can be a lifesaver during flights.
- Allergies: During allergy season, your eyes might feel extra dry and itchy. These drops can offer relief.
- After Removal: Some people use rewetting drops after taking out their contacts to soothe their eyes.
Application is simple. Just tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and squeeze a drop or two into the pocket formed. Blink a few times. If you wear contacts, you can usually apply them directly without removing your lenses, but always read the product instructions to be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use any eye drops with my contacts?
A: No. Only use drops labeled as safe for contact lens wearers. Some drops can damage your lenses.
Q: How often can I use these eye drops?
A: Follow the product instructions. Many can be used as needed throughout the day.
Q: What if my eyes feel gritty or burning?
A: This could be dryness. Try preservative-free rewetting drops. If it persists, see your eye doctor.
Q: Are preservative-free drops better?
A: For many people with sensitive eyes or who use drops often, yes. Preservatives can sometimes cause irritation.
Q: Can I use redness-reducing drops?
A: It’s generally not recommended for regular use with contacts. They can mask underlying problems.
Q: How long do single-use vials last after opening?
A: Once a single-use vial is opened, it should be used immediately and then discarded.
Q: Can I use them if I have astigmatism or other vision correction in my contacts?
A: Most rewetting drops are safe for all types of contact lenses, including toric (for astigmatism) and multifocal lenses.
Q: Do these drops help with eye strain from screens?
A: Yes, by keeping your eyes lubricated, they can reduce discomfort associated with prolonged screen time.
Q: Should I remove my contacts before using the drops?
A: Most rewetting drops are designed to be used while wearing your contacts. Always check the product label.
Q: Where can I buy these specialized eye drops?
A: You can find them at most pharmacies, drugstores, and online retailers. Your eye doctor’s office may also carry them.