Dry eyes are a common problem for contact lens wearers. Long hours on screens, dry air from air conditioning, or outdoor exposure can make lenses uncomfortable. Many people ask: Can you use eye drops with contact lenses? The answer depends on the type of drops, your lenses, and your specific eye needs.
This guide explains how to use eye drops safely with contact lenses, highlights lenses that work well for dry eyes, and shows which drops are most effective for maintaining comfort throughout the day.
Understanding Why Eyes Get Dry with Lenses
Contact lenses sit directly on your eye, which can reduce natural tear distribution and increase evaporation. Lenses can also attract debris or proteins, sometimes causing irritation. These factors make dry eye more likely, especially for people who:
- Use digital devices for long periods
- Wear lenses all day
- Live in dry or air-conditioned environments
- Have naturally sensitive eyes
Common symptoms include stinging, burning, redness, blurry vision, and a sensation of something in the eye. If ignored, these issues can worsen discomfort and even reduce your ability to wear lenses for extended periods.
Are Eye Drops Safe With Lenses?
Not all eye drops are safe to use with contact lenses. Some over-the-counter drops contain preservatives or oils that can stick to lenses, causing irritation or blurred vision. Using the wrong drops can also lead to protein buildup on the lens surface, which reduces comfort.
However, there are eye drops formulated to be safe for contact lenses. These drops hydrate, soothe irritation, and maintain comfort without harming the lenses.
Choosing the Right Drops
When selecting eye drops to use with lenses, look for drops that are:
- Preservative-free or with gentle preservatives
- Compatible with soft contact lenses
- Designed to relieve dryness and irritation
- Safe for use throughout the day
One example of a lens-safe option is hycosan extra. These drops provide instant hydration, reduce redness, and are suitable for use while wearing soft contact lenses.
How Contact Lenses Can Affect Comfort
Soft lenses can trap moisture but also reduce the natural tear film on the eye. This can lead to:
- Reduced oxygen flow
- Dryness and irritation
- Protein buildup
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
Choosing the right lens material and using drops like hycosan extra can reduce these effects and help maintain comfort.
Acuvue Oasys for Comfort
Lenses designed for moisture retention and sensitivity can dramatically improve comfort. Acuvue Oasys lenses are a popular choice because they provide:
- Long-lasting hydration
- High oxygen permeability for healthy eyes
- Smooth surface to reduce irritation
- Comfort for extended wear
Many people who spend long hours on screens or in dry environments find acuvue oasys lenses help relieve dryness and irritation throughout the day.
How to Apply Eye Drops With Lenses
Using eye drops correctly ensures comfort and avoids damaging your lenses:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Tilt your head slightly back.
- Pull down the lower eyelid gently.
- Apply a single drop to the eye.
- Blink slowly to distribute moisture evenly.
If drops are not formulated for lenses, remove your lenses first, apply the drops, wait a few minutes, and then reinsert the lenses. Lens-safe drops like hycosan extra do not require lens removal.
Daily Habits to Prevent Dry Eyes
Even with the best lenses and drops, daily habits play a crucial role in eye comfort:
- Blink regularly: Especially during screen use to maintain tear coverage.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Adjust screen position and lighting: Keep screens slightly below eye level to reduce evaporation.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid direct airflow: Fans and AC vents can dry out eyes quickly.
- Take breaks from prolonged screen use: Stand, stretch, and give your eyes a rest.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
If symptoms persist despite using lens-safe drops and comfortable lenses, consult your eye care professional. Persistent dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision may indicate conditions such as:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Tear film instability
- Other underlying eye problems
Your optometrist can recommend lens changes, prescription drops, or additional therapies to relieve dryness.
Combining Lenses and Drops for Maximum Comfort
The best results for dry eyes come from pairing moisture-retaining lenses like acuvue oasys with hydrating drops such as hycosan extra. This combination is ideal for:
- Daily lens wearers
- People using screens for extended periods
- Those in dry indoor or outdoor environments
- Individuals with naturally sensitive or dry eyes
By combining the right lenses and drops, you can enjoy all-day comfort, reduce redness, and prevent irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use any eye drops with contact lenses?
No. Only drops labeled safe for contact lens wear are recommended.
Q2: Are hycosan extra drops safe with lenses?
Yes. Hycosan extra is formulated to be safe for lens wearers.
Q3: Do I need to remove lenses before using drops?
Lens-safe drops do not require lens removal, but some drops may need the lenses removed first.
Q4: Can improper drops damage lenses?
Yes. Drops with preservatives or oil-based ingredients can reduce lens comfort or leave residue.
Q5: Are acuvue oasys lenses good for dry eyes?
Yes. Acuvue oasys provide hydration and long-lasting comfort, even for long hours of wear.
Q6: How often should I use drops with lenses?
Use as needed, particularly during screen time or in dry environments.
Q7: Can screen use worsen dry eyes?
Yes. Reduced blinking during screen use increases tear evaporation. Proper lenses and drops help reduce this effect.
Conclusion
Yes, you can use eye drops with contact lenses — but only the right ones. Hycosan extra provides fast relief from dryness and irritation, while acuvue oasys lenses ensure all-day hydration and comfort. Combined with good habits like frequent blinking, screen breaks, and staying hydrated, this approach keeps your eyes comfortable, healthy, and ready for all-day wear.
