Eye drops & comfort
Re-wetting drops, allergy drops, redness relievers and what NOT to use when your lenses are in.
Only drops explicitly labelled "for use with contact lenses" — usually re-wetting or lubricating drops. Most other drops, especially redness relievers, are not safe with lenses in.
Use preservative-free re-wetting drops 1–3× per day, blink more deliberately, take screen breaks. If it persists, ask about a higher-moisture lens material.
They contain vasoconstrictors that whiten the eye briefly but can mask infection signs, cause rebound redness, and discolour soft lenses.
Usually with a wait — remove lenses, instil drops, wait 15 minutes, reinsert. Some newer formulations are labelled lens-safe and don't need the wait.
Artificial tears imitate natural tears for any dry eye. Re-wetting drops are formulated specifically to be compatible with contact lenses — same general purpose, slightly different chemistry.
Often yes — try a lens designed for digital wear (silicone hydrogel with high moisture retention), and apply the 20-20-20 rule.
Most likely a sensitivity to multi-purpose solution preservatives. Try a preservative-free peroxide system, or switch lens brand for daily disposables.
Often yes — material choice and supportive treatment matter. Daily silicone hydrogels or scleral lenses suit many dry-eye patients.
In an emergency, yes — sterile saline is harmless in the eye. But it has no preservative or viscosity, so the relief is very brief.
Preservative-free unidose drops can be used as often as needed. Multi-use bottles with preservatives should be limited to 4–6 times per day.
Not necessarily — switch to daily disposables during the season. Fresh lens every morning prevents allergen build-up.
Briefly yes, persistently no. Light tearing for 1–2 minutes is normal. If it persists, the lens may be inside-out, damaged, or the wrong fit.
Some — antihistamines, antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, isotretinoin, beta-blockers and decongestants commonly reduce tear production. Tell your optician about regular medications.
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