This post was most recently updated on August 2nd, 2023
Best Eye Drops for Contact Lenses
Dry eye is prevalent In Denver, Colorado, and is constantly discussed during our eye exams. It is typically exacerbated by contact lens wear because the lenses disrupt the tear film on the surface of the eye, causing your natural tears to break down sooner.
Here are a few great contact lenses if you suffer from dry eye secondary to contact lens wear. They have been proven to help decrease symptoms of dryness, irritation and burning. If these lenses don’t work, there are artificial tears made specifically to be used with contact lenses. Many regular use artificial tears use preservatives, which can adhere to your contact lens and cause more irritation. Therefore it is important to use products that are made specifically for contact lens wearers. Here are a few of our recommendations:
1. Blink Contacts® Lubricating Eye Drops
Produced by Abbot Laboratories, Blink for contacts is a great artificial tear shown to decrease dry eye symptoms associated with contact lens wear. The preservative breaks down on the eye making the actual lubricant preservative free. During our contact lens exams we often recommend using this drop 3-4 times per day, as well as to wet the contact lens with a drop prior to application.
2. Refresh Plus Preservative Free Artificial Tears
These are our favorite all purpose artificial tears. They are packaged in single dose vials preventing the need for preserving agents. Due to the lack of preservatives they can be used with contact lenses, and we specifically recommend them for people who apply artificial tears regularly (4 to 5 times per day).
3. Systane® Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops
Produced by Alcon, Systane® Contacts work well for patients suffering from dry eye secondary to contact lens wear. These drops for fry contact lenses are safe to be used for soft and gas permeable contact lens wearers.
4. TheraTears Contact Lens Drops
Benefits of Eye Drops Made for Contact Lenses
Artificial tear manufacturers must obtain FDA approval to market their products for use with contact lenses. This is important to recognize because off label use of eye drops can adversely affect your eye health and decrease your overall comfort when wearing contact lenses. Do not use any of the eye drops for contact lens above if you have exhibited an allergic response to them in the past. Most importantly, always consult your eye doctor before using any eye drops.
MOST COMFORTABLE DAILY CONTACT LENSES
CAUSES AND TREATMENTS FOR EYE STRAIN
