The Overwhelming Choice of Artificial Tears and Contact Lenses
Can I use artificial tears while wearing my contact lenses? The answer is - it depends on which artificial tears you are using. While wearing contact lenses, the ingredients within artificial tears may remain on the surface of the eye much longer than if used while not wearing contacts. Because of this, not all artificial tears are recommended to be used while wearing contact lenses, but many are. In general, artificial tears that do not contain preservatives or artificial tears specifically made for contact lenses, referred to as rewetting drops, are recommended.
What artificial tears can I use while wearing my contact lenses?
Lubricating drops specifically formulated for the use with contact lenses, otherwise known as “rewetting drops”, are the best option.
What artificial tears should I avoid using while wearing my contact lenses?
- Artificial tears containing preservatives are not recommended as the preservative within eyedrops is not meant to sit on the eye's surface for an extended period of time. Any eyedrops not marked as “preservative free” contain preservatives.
- Thick eyedrops like gels or ointments are not recommended while wearing contacts as they can cause deposits on the surface of the contact lens and blur vision.
- Medicated eye drops should be avoided unless otherwise instructed by your eye doctor.