Why are redness-relief drops bad for contact lens wearers?

Redness-relief drops (brand names: Visine Original, Murine Bright, Optrex Bright Eyes) work by constricting the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye. Side effects make them a poor match for contact lens use:

• Masking: redness is one of the first signs of contact-lens-related infection or hypoxia. Hiding it delays diagnosis.
• Rebound: with regular use, the eye becomes redder when the drop wears off. Many people then use more drops, creating dependence.
• Discoloration: the active ingredients (naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline) can stain soft lens material over time, especially silicone hydrogels.
• Preservatives: most redness drops use benzalkonium chloride, which binds to soft lenses and slowly releases into the cornea — an irritant on its own.

If your eyes look red:

1. Take the lenses out for the rest of the day.
2. Use preservative-free artificial tears (without vasoconstrictors).
3. If redness lasts more than a day, book an eye-care appointment.