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Those who regularly suffer from dry eyes know that any further irritation can be incredibly uncomfortable. So if you're thinking you can just power through the dryness while wearing contacts, think again: Dry eyes—from long-term contact wear or allergies—can cause redness, itchiness, and an array of other symptoms when you have your lenses in.
Tested & Approved
Blink Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops provide the moisture and comfort you need to get through your day. If you need allergy relief for your itchy, dry eyes, Zaditor Antihistamine Eye Itch Relief Eye Drops are a great solution.
"A contact generally needs to stay hydrated, and it gets that hydration from the tear layer of the eye," says Steve Menzel, OD, optometrist at Clarkson Eyecare in St. Louis, Missouri. "If an eye cannot provide what the contact needs, it will feel dry on the eye."
There are plenty of eye drops formulated to be used by contact lens wearers, and the right ones can relieve your eyes from many discomforts and allow you to wear your contacts all day long.But when you're shopping for eye drops for contacts, ensure that the drops you're buying are easy to use and are specifically made for contacts. We researched dozens of eye drops for contacts and evaluated them for key ingredients, dosage, usage, and price.
Here are the best eye drops for contacts on the market today.
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Pros
Preservative-free
Can be used as often as needed
Formulated specifically for contacts
Cons
Frequently out of stock
Pricing breakdown can be confusing
We like Blink Contacts as our best overall pick because they provide lubrication specifically for people with contacts. They're gentle enough to be used daily—even multiple times per day—and don't contain any active ingredients or harsh preservatives. They won't damage your lenses, either, and include hyaluronate for a max boost of hydration without irritation.
These drops should be added to the contact lens before insertion. You can use a single drop inside each contact before you insert your contacts as normal, but once they're in, you'll have relief for hours. Because they're so popular, however, they tend to be out of stock frequently—which may be important to note if you plan on regularly using these drops.
Active Ingredients: Purified water, sodium hyaluronate | Usage: Apply 1-2 drops per eye as needed
Best Budget:Refresh Contacts Contact Lens Comfort Drops
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Pros
All-purpose for both hard and soft lenses
Can be used as often as needed
Cons
Short shelf life
Watery formula may not be effective enough for some
If it seems like you can always feel your contact lenses pressed against the surface of your eye, then you probably need more hydration to reduce that harsh, gritty, stuck-on sensation. Refresh Contacts Comfort Drops moisturize and soothe, creating what the company calls a "liquid cushion" between the lens and your eye, which makes wearing your lenses every day much more comfortable.
On top of being affordable, we love that these drops can be used while your lenses are inserted and that they're comfortable for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses as well as soft lenses.
Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, sodium chloride, boric acid | Usage: Apply 1-2 drops per eye as needed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ZaditorEyeItchReliefAntihistamineEyeDrops-8a969ddd03ca48cb96c9c8fa86f8b6cd.jpg "The 7 Best Eye Drops for Contacts of 2022 (3)")
Pros
Can last up to 12 hours
Includes a strong antihistamine ingredient
Safe for ages 3 and up
Cons
Must be used before inserting contacts
Ketotifen may cause irritation
If you need eye drops to combat symptoms of eye allergies (which might include itching, redness, and watering), you'll need to opt for a drop with some kind of antihistamine ingredient. That's okay, as long as it's safe to use alongside contact lenses, like the eye itch relief drops by Zaditor. Containing ketotifen fumarate, these drops can last up to 12 hours—and they're safe for everyday use, even if you're a contact lens wearer.
One caveat, though: No matter what brand of allergy eye drops you choose, including Zaditor, you can't apply the drops while your contacts are inserted.
"If you are using medicated eye drops, especially for allergies, it is really important that the medicated eye drops go into the eye well before contact lens wear," explains NYU Langone optometrist Brieann K. Adair, OD, who adds that you should wait at least 10 minutes after the drops are used before putting the contact lens in the eye. "This allows your medication to have the maximum amount of time to be absorbed and work on your eye, and also keeps the contact lenses in good condition."
Active Ingredients: Ketotifen fumarate 0.035% | Usage: Apply 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 8–12 hours and no more than twice per day
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Best for Red Eyes:Bausch + Lomb Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BauschLombLumifyRednessRelieverEyeDrops-39c3752edba546829e1b35f4b86b9246.jpg "The 7 Best Eye Drops for Contacts of 2022 (4)")
Pros
Safer than drops containing pseudoephedrine
Works quickly
Can brighten whites of eyes for up to 8 hours
Cons
Must be used before inserting contacts
May cause allergic reaction for some
Many redness-relieving eye drops contain a vasoconstrictor, typically a decongestant ingredient like pseudoephedrine, to work their magic on swollen, inflamed blood vessels in the eye. The only problem is that these vasoconstrictors can quickly cause rebound redness if you use them more than infrequently.
What we like about these Lumify drops is that they rely on brimonidine, not pseudoephedrine, to relieve redness, eliminating the concerns over rebound effects. Now, because they are still a medicated eye drop, you shouldn't use them while your contacts are inserted; just like drops for allergies, you'll need to wait at least 10 minutes after applying the drops to put in your lenses.
Active Ingredients: Brimonidine tartrate 0.025% | Usage: Apply 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 6-8 hours, maximum 4 times per day
Best for Dry Eyes:TheraTears Extra Dry Eye Therapy
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Pros
Uses electrolytes to moisturize your tear film
Promotes healthy production of natural tears
Cleanses and moisturizes
Cons
May cause initial burning sensation
If you thought you were the only person out there struggling to be comfortable while their contacts are in, think again: Contact lenses are known to be drying to the eye.
"Contact lenses, though safe, are still a foreign object that is sitting on the surface of the eye, particularly within the tear film," says Dr. Adair. "Because they're soft, contact lenses can absorb and pull moisture from the surface of the eye."
The preservative-free lubricating drops by TheraTears work with your eye's natural anatomy, using an electrolyte formula that mimics the same electrolytes found in your tears. It re-balances your eye's hydration levels, providing long-lasting moisturization and removing irritants that contribute to dry eye symptoms. The omega-3 formula also promotes healthy tear production, meaning these drops don't just rewet your eyes for you—they help your eye do it itself.
Active Ingredients: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 0.25% | Usage: Apply 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed
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Best for Hard Contact Lenses:Bausch + Lomb Boston Rewetting Drops
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Pros
Safe for hard contact lenses
Cushions the lens to reduce friction
Removes lens build up
Cons
Bottle may be difficult to squeeze
If you wear hard contacts, you'll need to look for drops specially formulated for your lenses; you can't grab any contact-friendly solution off the shelf. The Bausch + Lomb Boston Rewetting Drops are made for people with rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, i.e., "hard" lenses, soothing and cleansing your eye to maximize comfort.
These drops work in two ways: by covering the surface of the lens with hydration to reduce irritating friction between your lens and your eye, and by removing debris and build-up on the lenses that can contribute to dryness. They also help restore the natural tear layer, which means you may be able to wear them for longer when using these drops than without.
Active Ingredients: Cationic cellulose derivative polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl cellulose | Usage: Apply 1-3 drops into each eye as needed
Best for Soft Lenses:Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops
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Pros
Provides an instant burst of refreshing moisture
Cleanses debris and prevents build up
Cons
May cause initial burning sensation
Watery formula may not be effective enough for some
If the Bausch + Lomb Boston Rewetting Drops are the gold standard for hard contacts, the Puremoist Rewetting Drops by Opti-Free are the soft lens counterpart. They instantly increase the moisture level in your eye while you're wearing contacts, they cleanse and remove irritants, and they act as a preventative shield against build-up (an especially useful feature if you wear weekly or monthly lenses). They're an easy-to-use, on-the-go option for anyone with soft lenses and dry, irritated eyes.
Active Ingredients: Sodium chloride, edetate disodium, POLYQUAD | Usage: Apply 1-2 drops into each eye as needed
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Final Verdict
Blink Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops are one of the only products designed specifically to relieve dryness while your contacts are inserted, so they're an obvious choice for best pick; not only are they safe to use, they include the hydration powerhouse ingredient hyaluronate for maximum comfort and moisturization.If you need medicated drops for allergies or redness, Zaditor Eye Itch Relief is your best bet.
How We Selected
When selecting the best eye drops for contacts, we spoke with optometrists and spent hours combing the web for the best and most effective products. After taking all of our options into consideration, we determined which to feature based on a few key criteria as recommended by dermatologists: key ingredients, dosage, price, and the type of contact they're compatible with.
Once we narrowed down our options, we compared each eye drop's benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive than others, we wanted to give a wide range of options for buyers that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best eye drops for contacts.
What to Look for in Eye Drops for Contacts
Contact-Specific
Not all over-the-counter eye drops work for contacts, and the wrong kinds can interfere with your vision. "Eye drops that aren't meant for contact lenses can temporarily alter how a lens fits your eye or discolor the lens," Lenscrafters optometrist Trang Ha, OD warns.
And that's the best-case scenario; putting incompatible drops into your eyes can even damage your eye.
"Any drop you place in your eye while your contact is in will absorb into the material of the contact lens," explains Dr. Menzel. "This absorption will increase the concentration of the drop and overall exposure over time to the eye's surface, [which] can cause adverse effects to the cornea tissue."
This is why you have to be especially careful when choosing a contact-friendly eye drop; they're designed to be diluted by your tears, Dr. Menzel adds, not to sit for a prolonged time in the material of a contact. Doing so can affect your lenses and your sight.
Ingredients
When it comes to the ingredient listing on the back of the box, there are some things you should try to avoid if you're a contact-wearer—namely preservatives. Eye drops made to be safe for use with contacts should not include preservatives like BAK, or benzalkonium chloride, which can cause damage to the conjunctival and corneal cells in your eye, especially with chronic use.
"Preservatives can cause irritation to the eye, but can also impact or degrade the contact lenses," says Dr. Adair. "In order to keep your contact lenses in the best condition possible, we recommend using a preservative-free formula or formula that's made specifically for contact lenses."
If you're going preservative-free, you can opt for liquid-based drops. These usually contain ingredients like:
- Castor oil
- Glycerin
- Hydroxypropyl-guar
- Mineral oil
If you're unsure about the ingredients in your eye drops, talk to an optometrist about a solution that will work best for you.
Ease of Use
If you can't simply squeeze a few drops into a dry eye when you're sitting at your desk or at home watching TV, you might be less likely to use them. That can be a real problem since regular use of contact-safe eye drops can be an important part of your overall eye care.
"It's important to maintain a consistent and healthy eye regimen that can include using artificial tears," says Dr. Adair, "to keep the front surface of the eye lubricated, in good condition, and to make sure the contact lenses are not impacting your overall health and comfort."
If you need to use eye drops that can't be applied while your contacts are in, like the Zaditor drops listed here, that's fine—those drops are often only used once or twice per day, max. But drops you may want to use more frequently, like rewetting drops and artificial tears, should take no more than a few seconds to apply in a pinch.
Hard vs. Soft Contacts
Finally, take into consideration the kind of lenses you wear. There are eye drops made for hard and soft lenses; each of these performs a slightly different function, so make sure to find an eye drop that specifically suits your contact lenses.
"If the eye drops are going in before or after contact lens wear, generally any drops are safe to use," says Dr. Adair. "But if you are wearing a specialty type of contact lens, such as hard lenses or scleral lenses, you should be using drops that are made specifically for them or the drops recommended by your doctor."
In other words, some lenses and drops don't play well together, and it's important to consider what type of lenses you wear and what your eye drop needs are before choosing a product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use eye drops for redness with contacts?
Unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise, you should not apply redness-reducing eye drops when your lenses are in your eye. These drops often contain decongestant ingredients to shrink the inflamed blood vessels causing redness, and those aren't safe to use while your lenses are inserted.
Instead, use the drops before you put your contacts in for the day, and again when you take them out.
Are lubricating eye drops safe for contacts?
Lubricating drops are safe in that they won't disrupt your vision or interfere with the health of your eye. These drops can improve the overall comfort and wear time of contacts for some users.
But some lubricating agents can shorten the life of lenses, so look for contact-specific lubricating drops or limit the use of artificial tears to before and after contact lens wear.
What kinds of eye drops are safe for contacts?
Rewetting eye drops are specifically made for use with contact lenses. Other eye drops may contain preservatives and other types of chemicals that can irritate the eye and damage contacts, says Dr. Adair. You may need to avoid wearing your contacts when using medicated or dry eye drops. Check labels and read directions to be sure.
Can I use eye drops instead of contact solution?
No, they have two different functions. Eye drops are designed to lubricate eyes, while contact lens solution is intended to clean and disinfect lenses. The chemicals in contact lens solution can be irritating to the eye.
How often can I use eye drops?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you can safely use lubricating eye drops anytime you need them—as long as they don't contain preservatives. For products that do contain preservatives (which are intended to fight off contamination with bacteria once the bottle is opened), a rule of thumb is to use them no more than four times per day.
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FAQs
The 7 Best Eye Drops for Contacts of 2022? ›
- Best Overall: Blink Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops at Amazon. ...
- Best Budget: Refresh Contacts at Amazon. ...
- Best for Allergies: Zaditor Eye Itch Relief at Amazon. ...
- Best for Red Eyes: Bausch + Lomb Lumify at Amazon. ...
- Best for Dry Eyes: ...
- Best for Hard Contact Lenses: ...
- Best for Soft Lenses:
Best Overall: SYSTANE Gel Drops
91% of 7,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
There are many different types of eye drops but not all are suitable for contact lens users. As a general rule, buy only those labeled "For use with contact lenses." Rewetting eye drops are specifically designed for contact lenses to make them more comfortable in the eye.
Why do you need special eye drops for contacts? ›Most drops that are made for use with contact lenses will have the word “contacts” right on the front of the label. These drops are designed specifically to lubricate the eye and lens surface to make your wearing experience more comfortable. You can use these drops as frequently as you wish.
Can you use lubricating eye drops with contacts? ›Supplementing your contact lens wear with lubricating eye drops that are safe to use with contacts may help. In addition, the contact lens cleaning and disinfecting products you use should be evaluated, as different products may work better to keep your contacts moist and comfortable.
What eye drops do eye doctors recommend? ›- Types of Eye Drops. There are many types of eye drops on the market to help combat dry eye symptoms. ...
- Systane Ultra (Preservative Free) ...
- Systane Complete. ...
- Refresh Optive (Preservative Free) ...
- Soothe XP. ...
- GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Gel.
Vuity is the first FDA-approved eyedrop to treat the condition known as presbyopia, which tends to affect people ages 40 and older. The prescription drug uses the eye's natural ability to reduce its pupil size.
How do you fix dry eyes with contacts? ›- Eye drops – Be sure to get eye drops that can be applied safely with contact lenses to reduce discomfort and refresh eyes. ...
- Eye vitamins – Certain vitamins, taken orally, can increase the amount of nutrients your eyes receive.
Make sure that whatever eyedrops you use specifically state that they are ok for use with contact lenses. Otherwise, remove your lenses to apply the eyedrops and wait 15 to 20 minutes before putting them back in.
Which Systane eye drops can be used with contacts? ›Yes, Systane® ULTRA lubricant eye drops (10mL) can be used while wearing contact lenses.
What happens if you put too many eye drops in? ›
But overusing the drops can set up a cycle of dependency. Your eyes have to work even harder to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the blood vessels. The more you use the drops, the redder your eyes become. This is sometimes referred to as “rebound redness.” Eventually this can escalate to chronic eye redness.
Can I use preservative free eye drops with contacts? ›Preservative-free artificial tears are great for contact lens wearers as they don't cause any preservative build-up on the lenses. They are also suitable for those with sensitive eyes since they contain fewer ingredients that can cause irritation.
Why are my contacts irritating my eyes? ›The bumps develop when contact lenses or allergens irritate the lining of eyelids. Failing to clean your lenses often enough can cause the condition, but it may also occur if protein deposits build up on the lenses. Contact lens-induced conjunctivitis causes itching, redness, blurred vision and foreign body sensation.
What are the safest eye drops to use? ›Bausch and Lomb Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops
Because they're preservative-free, these eye drops might be especially gentle on your eyes and are safe to use twice per day.
Conclusion: Systane Gel Drops were associated with significantly better corneal staining scores versus Refresh Liquigel eye drops in patients with dry eye. Supportive efficacy outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Both treatments were well tolerated.
How much does Vuity eye drop cost? ›The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Vuity is around $80.54, 12% off the average retail price of $91.61.
Can eyesight be restored? ›Can Eyesight Be Improved Naturally? Unfortunately, there is no way of reversing refractive error, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia. This type of visual difficulty can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
What is the name of the new eye drops? ›The medication is called pilocarpine HCI ophthalmic solution 1.25% and the brand name is Vuity. During the clinical trials, 750 participants, ages 40 to 55, who were already dealing with presbyopia, were randomly divided into two groups. One group received the new medication while the others received a placebo.
What's the best contact lens brand? ›- Acuvue. The Acuvue® brand is among the most highly recommended and top-selling contact lens brands. ...
- Dailies. The DAILIES® brand is another top contact lens brand worth looking into when deciding on the right lens. ...
- Air Optix. ...
- Biofinity. ...
- SofLens.
In a 2020 study , the combination of oral vitamin B12 supplements and artificial tears improved symptoms of dry eye syndrome. According to the researchers, vitamin B12 may repair the corneal nerve layer, or the nerves on the eye's outer surface.
What type of contact lenses are best for dry eyes? ›
According to verywellhealth.com, some of the best extended-wear contact lenses for dry eyes on the market are Bausch & Lomb ULTRA, CooperVision Biofinity, and Clerio Vision Extreme H20. The best daily contacts for dry eyes include Dailies Total1 and Acuvue Oasys 1-Day.
Which is better systane balance or systane Ultra? ›While SYSTANE Ultra is designed for dry eye with aqueous deficient patients, SYSTANE Balance lubricant eye drops are designed specifically for patients with dry eye associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Can you use too much Systane eye drops? ›An overdose of Systane can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.
What is the difference between Systane Complete and systane Ultra? ›While Systane Ultra is designed for dry eye with aqueous deficient patients, Systane Balance lubricant eye drops are designed specifically for patients with evaporative dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction.
How do you permanently treat dry eyes? ›Currently, there is no permanent cure for dry eye disease. However, a number of options can help maintain moisture in the eyes. These can reduce symptoms and protect vision.
Is it harmful to use eye drops everyday? ›“Unless you've been directed to use over-the-counter eye drops by your doctor, you shouldn't be using them on a daily basis. They aren't meant for long-term eye care, but they can certainly provide relief while you're searching for the reason for your condition,” he explains.
Which Omega 3 is best for dry eyes? ›The Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have the most potent health benefits and are the most important in controlling the inflammation related to dry eyes. Specifically, a high EPA to DHA ratio may be most beneficial for dry eyes.
What dry eye drops have no preservatives? ›Blink® Tears Preservative Free Lubricating Eye Drops restore your tears' natural balance each time you blink. Blink® Tears Preservative Free Lubricating Eye Drops is uniquely formulated to stay in the eye longer, so you can get long-lasting dryness relief. Available as 25-count single-use vials.
Can I use Refresh tears eye drops with contacts? ›Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using most kinds of eye lubricants.
What are the safest eye drops to use? ›Bausch and Lomb Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops
Because they're preservative-free, these eye drops might be especially gentle on your eyes and are safe to use twice per day.
How do you permanently treat dry eyes? ›
Currently, there is no permanent cure for dry eye disease. However, a number of options can help maintain moisture in the eyes. These can reduce symptoms and protect vision.
What is the latest treatment for dry eyes? ›The most recent FDA-approved drop, Eysuvis (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 0.25%, is an ocular corticosteroid approved for short-term treatment of dry eye.
What is the best product for severe dry eyes? ›The best first treatment for dry eyes is perhaps also the most obvious: eye drops, also known as artificial tears. According to all three experts we spoke with, incorporating daily use of artificial tears can prevent and even treat dry eyes.