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The Best Eye Drops for Your Contact Lenses
It’s very common to experience dryness, irritation, or eye sensitivity from allergies. Alleviating those symptoms while wearing contacts can be challenging. Regular eye drops cannot always be used with contacts. To be safe, you need to find eye drops for contacts.
It’s also important to make sure that the eye drops work with the specific contacts that you wear. There are different types of drops for hard lenses and soft lenses. Some drops work with both kinds, but you need to be sure that they will not damage your contacts before using them.
You may also need added help such as allergy relief, sensitive treatment, and dry eye relief. To help you on your quest to find freedom from discomfort and irritation of any kind, here are the best eye drops for contacts to provide different kinds of relief:
Best Eye Drops for Hard Contact Lenses
If you wear hard contacts, check the packaging of the eye drops for contacts to find out whether the drops work for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. To help you find the right product, here are three great options for hard lenses:
1. Refresh Contacts Contact Lens Comfort Drops
Refresh Contacts Contact Lens Comfort Drops, 0.4 fl oz (12mL) Sterile 2-Pack
$19.05
out of stock
8 new from $19.05
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
| Part Number | 1101057 |
| Model | 77132 |
| Color | 2-pack |
| Size | Pack of 2 |
These are some of the best eye drops for contacts available on Amazon today. They are good for hard contacts, specifically rigid gas permeable (RGP) hard lenses made with silicone acrylate or fluorosilicone acrylate rigid gas permeable lenses. With a 12mL bottle, you won’t soon run out of the product. Take it with you on the go or leave it in your medicine cabinet for quick relief at home. These eye drops for contacts are doctor recommended, so you know you can trust them.
For relief during the day, use a drop or two in each eye as needed. If you want to start the day off on the right foot, use the drops when you insert your contacts in the morning–just put one or two drops on each side of the contact before putting it in your eye. It is important to note that these drops are for in-eye use only, you should not put these drops in your contact case.
2. Boston Rewetting Drops for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Contact Lens Solution by Boston, Rewetting Solution for Gas Permeable Contact Lenses, 0.33 Fl Oz
$6.18 in stock
9 new from $6.18
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- For rigid gas permeable contact lenses
- Exclusive, patented, sterile formula
- Coats lens surface; restores natural tear layer
- Allows for longer, more comfortable wearing time
- Please read all label information upon delivery
Designed specifically for rigid gas permeable contact lenses, these eye drops moisturize, soothe, and remove particles and debris from your eyes. It is the #1 doctor-recommended brand, so you know they’re some of the best eye drops for contacts. These drops work by coating the surface of your contact lenses to create moisture in the same way that your tears would do naturally under other circumstances.
Boston Rewetting Drops feature a patented formula that keeps you comfortable and makes it easier to wear your contacts for longer. With this purchase, you get a .33 fl oz bottle that’s easy to bring with you in a purse, backpack, or bag. This product has great reviews on Amazon. Users say this solution is the perfect addition to their contact care routine when soaking the lenses in contact solution isn’t enough. Using even just a drop every few hours can greatly increase your comfort so that you can keep your contacts in all day.
3. Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops
Complete Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops, 0.5 Fluid Ounce
$8.00 in stock
21 new from $8.00
Free shipping
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- Moisturizes and removes proteins from your eyes
- Designed for soft and RGP lenses
- Contact lens drops are suitable for daily use
These eye drops for contacts are good for both soft or hard contacts. Blink-N-Clean may not be a brand that you’re familiar with, but they are a part of Johnson & Johnson, a company known for making safe, good quality products. They are also doctor recommended. With just one or two drops, you can moisturize your eyes and remove proteins that cause irritation. The drops can be used up to four times per day.
The bottle is .5 ounces, so you can get much use out of it, but it’s still small enough to travel with you. If you experience cloudy vision or irritated eyes throughout the day, carry the small bottle with you for instant relief.
Amazon reviewers agree that this product is a good value for the price and it provides comfort and moisture throughout the day. One reviewer is so happy with the product that they have multiple bottles stashed away in different areas, including home, the car, and their backpack.
Best Eye Drops for Soft Contact Lenses
It is easier to find eye drops for contacts that work with soft contact lenses than hard ones. So if you wear soft contact lenses, you’re in luck. Just make sure that the eye drops are safe to use with your contacts by reading the packaging. Here are three soft contact lens eye drops that relieve irritation:
1. Bausch + Lomb ReNu MultiPlus Lubricating & Wetting Drops
Bausch + Lomb ReNu MultiPlus Lubricating & Rewetting Drops, 0.27 Ounce Bottle Twinpack
$23.99
in stock
2 new from $19.96
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- For daily and extended wear, frequent replacement, and disposable soft contact lenses
- Soothes eyes
- Moistens lenses to minimize dryness
- Sterile, isotonic solution
- Please read all label information upon delivery
For those wearing soft lenses, these are some of the best eye drops for contacts. Use 2 to 3 drops per eye whenever you start to feel uncomfortable. You can use it as needed for up to 20 hours of moisture and relief. Not only does it provide moisture to dry and irritated eyes, but it also safely disinfects and kills germs to prevent irritation in the future.
This purchase comes with two .27 ounce bottles. You can keep one at home and bring one with you on-the-go. It also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the product or it doesn’t work as well as you had hoped, you can contact them to get your money back. Judging from the reviews on Amazon, you won’t need the guarantee. Buyers say that it immediately relieves discomfort so that they can wear their contacts for longer periods of time.
2. Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops
Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops, 12-mL
$7.91 in stock
31 new from $7.90
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops give you a refreshing burst of moisture for added comfort when wearing contact lenses
- Removes particles that cause irritation
- Helps prevent deposit build-up
- For Use with all Silicone Hydrogel and other Soft Contact Lenses
By removing protein build-up on your contacts, these eye drops help you see clearly all day long. They also remove irritants and particles so you can stay comfortable even after long wear. These drops work with all silicone hydrogel contacts and all other soft contact lenses. For best results, use 2 drops in each eye and blink to distribute the solution. Repeat the process as needed up to 4 times per day.
The bottle holds .4 fl oz, or 12 mL. Through Amazon, you have the option to subscribe to a refill order on a regular schedule. With this option, you get the benefit of a discount and you can ensure that you don’t unexpectedly run out of solution. Reviewers are very happy with the quality of the drops and the size of the bottle. They felt that it was a good value for the price, and many were able to wear their contacts longer without experiencing irritation.
3. Clear Eyes | Contact Lens Multi-Action Relief Eye Drops
Clear Eyes Contact Lens Multi-Action Relief Eye Drops, Soothes & Moisturizes, 0.5 fl oz
$4.79 in stock
12 new from $4.79
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- Clear Eyes Contact Lens Multi-Action Relief Eye Drops provide relief for dry and irritated eyes
- Lubricating eye drops for contact lens wearers
- Relieves dry eyes and soothes and moisturizes.Store at room temperature
- Rewets lenses and removes particles from lenses
- Provides up to 12 hours of soothing comfort
Clear Eyes is a well-known brand when it comes to eye drops for contacts. This product is specifically designed for daily and extended use of soft contact lenses. The drops can offer you up to twelve hours of relief and comfort with a single dose. It works to moisturize, wet lenses, soothe irritation, and remove particles and irritants. Use just a drop or two in each eye as needed for immediate relief. The bottle holds .5 fl oz, so it will last you a while.
Users with sensitive skin should proceed with caution. While reviewers say the drops relieve the irritation and discomfort in their eyes, there are some reviews who experienced irritation of the skin where the solution overflowed during application. Buyers show pictures of reddened skin around their eyes and marks where the solution ran down their cheeks. If you have sensitive skin, this product may not be the best option for you.
Best Eye Drops for Contact Lenses if You Have Dry Eyes
Experiencing dry eye is a very normal thing, but it can be challenging to treat dry eyes if you wear contacts. You can’t use just any dry eye solution. There are some dry eye solutions designed to be safe for contacts and they say so on their packaging. Here are three eye drops for dry eyes contacts:
1. Amo Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops
Amo Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops, 2 Count (10 ml each)
$15.59
in stock
18 new from $15.59
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- Moisturizes your eyes with hyaluronate
- Relief as natural as blinking
- Fortified with essential electrolytes found in natural tears
- For soft and RGP lenses
Blink Contacts’ formula moisturizes your eyes the way your tears naturally would to provide relief from dryness and discomfort. It uses hyaluronate, a substance that is naturally found in your eye. Because it’s formulated with natural chemicals, it will quickly provide comfort without any irritation. Once in your eye, the product creates a moisture cushion that continues to moisturize your eyes throughout the day.
If you have dry eyes while wearing contacts, these are the best eye drops for dry eyes contacts. They work with both soft and hard contact lenses, so it doesn’t matter which kind you wear. Put a drop or two in each eye as needed or put a couple on each side of your contacts before putting them in your eye for some extra relief. Reviewers say that they can wear their contacts longer when using these drops throughout the day. Compared to other eye drops for dry eyes contacts, these ones perform faster and work better.
2. Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops, 30 Single-Use Containers
Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops, Preservative-Free, 0.01 Fl Oz Single-Use Containers, 30 Count (Pack of 1)
$10.63 in stock
26 new from $10.50
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- Original strength, preservative-free formula
- Relieves mild symptoms of eye dryness
- Instantly moisturizes and lubricates
- Designed to act like your own natural tears
- Great for sensitive eyes
If you’re looking for something easy to carry with you or to stash in multiple places, these single-use packs of Refresh Plus eye drops for dry eyes contacts are the perfect option. Each container is pre-portioned to provide you with relief at any moment. Simply twist off the top tab and squeeze the drops from the reservoir.
With some bottles of eye drops for contacts, you need to use them up within 90 days of opening the container. You don’t have to worry about that with this product because each dose is individually packaged. You can buy a 30-count, 70-count, or 100-count pack and leave them wherever you may need them–at home, at work, in the car, in your bag, etc.
Refresh Plus is doctor-recommended so you can trust that it is safe and effective. The solution has a very similar make-up to your own tears so it will feel natural and comfortable in your eye.
3. Refresh Reliva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops
Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile
$13.05 in stock
13 new from $12.35
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- Innovative formula specially designed for contact lens wearers
- Relieves mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness, irritation, and discomfort associated with contact lens wear
- Hydrocell technology enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the eye's surface
- You may keep your contacts in upon application
- May also be used to lubricate and rewet soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses and to cushion lenses prior to application
Refresh Reliva is a doctor-recommended brand for eye drops for dry eyes contacts. For Use throughout the day, use 1 or 2 drops in your eye and blink to spread the solution. You can use it as often as needed. If you need extra comfort to start the day, place 1 or 2 drops on each side of your contact lens before putting it in your eye. The solution is formulated to not only provide immediate relief but also continue providing relief with hydrocell technology.
The bottles contain either .27 fl oz, or 8 mL, so if you use drops regularly, you may want to pick up more than one bottle. Reviewers were very happy with the comfort these drops provided, especially because they are designed to retain moisture. Some were recommended to use them by their optometrists.
Best Eye Drops for Contact Lenses if You Have Allergies or Sensitive Eyes
Using eye drops for allergies or sensitivity is a bit more tricky than relieving everyday dryness and discomfort. Often, you need to consult a doctor before use or, at the very least, remove your contacts for a few minutes when using the drops. Here are three great products for those who have allergies or eye sensitivity:
1. Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops
Bausch + Lomb Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops, 0.34 Ounces/10 mL
$11.82
in stock
2 new from $11.82
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- EYE DROPS FOR ALLERGIES AND EYE ITCHING: Help relieve eye allergy symptoms caused by pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair & dander in minutes with these allergy eye drops containing ketotifen. Temporary itchy eye relief lasting up to 12 hours
- ANTIHISTAMINE EYE DROPS: Prescription-strength Alaway drops help provide allergy relief from symptoms like itchy eyes. This clinically tested formula works right at the source of eye allergy symptoms, to relieve eye itch faster than most allergy pills
- BAUSCH +LOMB EYE DROPS: Whether you have dry eyes, red eyes, itchy eyes, or all of the above, we offer a variety of options for your needs, including lubricating & preservative-free eye drops
- EYE CARE EXPERTS: For over 150 years, Bausch + Lomb has focused on innovation & quality in our eye care products, from contact lenses & solutions to eye drops, ointments, eye vitamins & more
- EYE DROPS & MORE: Bausch + Lomb makes eye care products you can trust, from contact lens solution to eye drops, vitamins, & ointments to help make sure your eyes feel healthy, moisturized, & protected
For itch relief, these allergy eye drops from Alaway are a great option. Unfortunately, you do have to take your contacts out to use them and you have to leave them out for about 10 minutes to be safe. These drops are so powerful and effective, you only need one drop in each eye for relief that can last for up to 12 hours. The drops cannot be used more than twice a day. So even though you have to take out your contacts to use them, a single dose will get you through the workday, night out, or whatever you have planned for your day.
The bottle holds .34 fl oz of the solution and a single bottle should last you about 60 days. You can buy in a single pack or save a couple of dollars and buy a two-pack. Users say that the solution is great for seasonal allergies. It works so well, you feel better in just minutes.
2. Similasan Allergy Eye Relief Eye Drops
Similasan Allergy Eye Relief Eye Drops 0.33 Ounce Bottle, for Temporary Relief from Red Eyes, Itchy Eyes, Burning Eyes, and Watery Eyes, 2 Count
$14.40 out of stock
6 new from $14.40
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- Contains (2) 0.33oz. bottles of Similasan Allergy Eye Relief Eye Drops. Similasan uses natural active ingredients like eyebright, not harsh chemicals, to stimulate your body's natural defenses instead of masking allergy eye symptoms, like redness or itching.
- Similasan Allergy Eye Relief eye drops provide temporary relief from symptoms of eye allergies like red eyes, itching eyes, burning eyes, stinging eyes, irritated eyes and watering eyes. Use Allergy Eye Relief as often as needed with no known side effects.
- Similasan homeopathic eye drops are made with natural active ingredients like eyebright and have no harsh chemicals. Unlike other allergy eye drops, Similasan eye drops do not contain vasoconstrictors, a chemical that can cause rebound effect.
- For over 35 years, Similasan has been used by pharmacists and families in Switzerland. Similasan is a leading Swiss brand of homeopathic remedies that uses natural active ingredients to keep families healthy throughout the year.
- Similasan is a Swiss brand dedicated to helping families feel good about feeling better. Our gentle eye drops provide natural temporary relief from allergy eye symptoms. Compare to Visine eye drops or Zaditor eye drops.
These eye drops relieve the itching, watering, burning, and redness caused by allergies. They can be used with contacts, but it is advised that you talk to a doctor before starting use. These drops use natural ingredients so you can start feeling relief without irritation from unnecessary harsh chemicals. Similasan is a brand that has been trusted by pharmacists for over 35 years. You know you can put your trust in their products, too.
A bottle of this solution holds .33 fl oz, or 10 mL, and each package comes with two bottles. Reviewers were very happy with the results of the drops for the price, saying that it is much cheaper than some prescription options but still as effective. Of course, talk to your doctor before making any changes, if you are using prescription eye drops.
3. Bausch + Lomb Sensitive Eyes Rewetting Drops
Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Eyes Rewetting Drops, 1-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)
$29.09 in stock
Amazon.com
as of April 17, 2024 4:27 pm
Features
- The package dimension of the product is 4"L x 3.8"W x 2.4"H
- Number of items: 3
- Package Weight: 0.045 kilograms
- Ingredients: Boric acid, Ceramides, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Mineral oil, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Phytospingosine, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Xanthan gum
This three-pack of sensitive eye drops for contacts gently relieves dryness and irritation. The product is designed for safe use with soft contact lenses, so if you have sensitive eyes and hard contacts, this solution is not the right fit for you. The bottle holds a full 1.0 fl oz, or 30 mL, which is larger than many other options. With a pack of three, you will be set for a little while.
If you know that you are sensitive to eye drops, it’s important that you proceed with caution. Your eyes are not something you want to treat in a haphazard manner, so talk to a doctor about options that will be best for you. Most reviews for this product are positive, but some were so sensitive that these drops still irritated their eyes. Everyone’s needs are different, so talk to a doctor to be safe.
Why You Need the Right Eye Drops if You Wear Contacts
While it may be tempting to use regular eye drops when you have contacts, there are a few reasons why this is a bad idea. If you are not careful, you could cause damage to your eyes and your contacts, or at the very least, simply increase irritation and cloudy vision. To be 100% sure that you have made the right choice for your eyes and your contacts, talk to a doctor about your options.
Here are some negative effects you can avoid when you choose the right eye drops:
Damaged Contacts
Contacts are expensive, so you want to protect them and make them last as long as possible. By using eye drops that are not designed for contact wearers, you may damage your contacts. The contact could rip or become clouded, causing even more irritation and making it impossible to see well.
In addition, regular eye drops often include oils and other ingredients that cause the lenses to be thicker than eye drops designed for contacts. These substances are not designed to interact with the contacts and could wear them down.
Build-Up
One of the common reasons that people use eye drops is to reduce redness. These drops shrink the blood vessels in your eyes so the whites look whiter. It is not recommended that you use any drops like this if you wear contacts because it can result in a build-up.
Over time, this build-up will counteract the effects and actually cause redness and irritation. Not only will it be uncomfortable, but it will also make it more difficult to see through the lenses. They will seem cloudy due to chemical build-up.
A solution that is designed for contacts will do more than just protect the lenses, it will actually clean them. Clean lenses are easier to see through, are more comfortable, and are safer for your eyes.
Bad Reactions to Allergy Relief Ingredients
Treating eye conditions related to allergies such as itching, redness, watering, or burning can be difficult for those who wear contact lenses. Even drops designed for contacts usually require you to take the contacts out for 10 or 15 minutes after putting the drops in. The substances used to treat allergies are not designed to work with contacts most times, so there’s potential for a bad reaction. Leaving the contacts out during this time will also help them be more effective.
Some solutions are designed to work with contacts, but it is still recommended that you talk to a doctor before beginning use.
Conclusion
Our eyes and their health are important. So it is essential that you get the best eye drops for contacts to protect both your eyes and your contacts. Use one of the great products on our list to start feeling relief from discomfort and irritation so that you can start enjoying your days to the fullest.
