{"id":35,"date":"2026-05-27T11:05:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T10:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lenstore.ie\/eye-care\/?p=35"},"modified":"2026-06-02T11:57:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T10:57:21","slug":"eye-drops-and-contact-lenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lenstore.ie\/eye-care\/eye-drops-and-contact-lenses","title":{"rendered":"Eye Drops and Contact Lenses"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/figure>\n

Whether for dry eyes, allergies, or infections, there’s a wide range of eye drops available to treat both minor and more serious conditions. But if you wear contact lenses<\/strong><\/a> and don’t want to sacrifice the comfort of your lenses by switching to glasses, the options become a little more limited.<\/p>\n

Can I use eye drops while wearing contact lenses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some eye drops<\/a> can be used while wearing contact lenses, others cannot. The latest generation of soft contact lenses are usually designed to reduce build-up and prevent dust and dirt from sticking to the surface, but the oils and preservatives in some eye drops tend to soak into contact lenses. This can cause discomfort and irritation, as well as blurry vision.<\/p>\n

With so many types of eye drops available \u2014 not just on prescription but also over the counter \u2014 it’s always best to check with your optician to find out which are most suitable for your needs and for treating the condition in question.<\/p>\n

Prescription and over-the-counter eye drops<\/h2>\n

Some of us aren’t sure whether to buy eye drops over the counter or to consult our optician or GP first. The difference between prescription and over-the-counter eye drops lies in the concentration of active ingredients and the purpose of the drops.<\/p>\n

While over-the-counter drops are generally a good solution for relieving minor complaints, products that treat chronic conditions and serious infections require a prescription.<\/p>\n

Many over-the-counter and prescription eye drops that treat dry eyes and other minor conditions can be used while wearing contact lenses.<\/p>\n

It’s always advisable to ask your optician for guidance before purchasing any over-the-counter eye drops.<\/p>\n

Types of eye drops<\/h2>\n

The wide variety of products available means you’ll be able to find the right treatment for your issue \u2014 or at least a short-term solution.<\/p>\n

Antibiotic eye drops<\/h4>\n

In Ireland, some antibiotic eye drops or ointments are only available on prescription from your GP or ophthalmologist. Used to treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis, they treat and prevent infections by killing the bacteria that cause them.<\/p>\n

When treating an eye infection with antibiotic eye drops, contact lenses should not be worn.<\/p>\n

Antihistamine eye drops<\/h4>\n

Those who suffer from allergies often experience eye symptoms such as itching, dryness, or redness caused by irritants. There’s a wide range of anti-allergy eye drops available over the counter, or by prescription for those with more severe symptoms.<\/p>\n

Anti-allergy eye drops should not be used while wearing contact lenses; however, your optician will be able to recommend the best solution.<\/p>\n

Lubricating and moisturising eye drops<\/h4>\n

Moisturising eye drops, or artificial tears, are used to lubricate dry eyes \u2014 whether caused by environmental factors, age, or medication. Many brands offer lubricating eye drops over the counter, but those who suffer from chronic dry eye may find prescription drops more suitable. In either case, it’s worth discussing your options with a specialist, as they can recommend a brand better suited to treating your eyes.<\/p>\n

Moisturising drops are often recommended for contact lens wearers, as they don’t contain preservatives and are able to hydrate the eyes while lenses are being worn.<\/p>\n

Decongestant eye drops<\/h4>\n

Visible red capillaries in the eyes can be caused by a number of things, such as allergies, stress, or infections. If the redness isn’t accompanied by irritation or pain, some people may simply want to relieve the redness rather than treat the underlying cause. Eye drops for redness relief reduce visible blood vessels, but if used frequently they can also have the opposite effect and irritate the eyes further.<\/p>\n

They’re therefore not recommended for use while wearing contact lenses, as the active ingredients are absorbed by the lenses and remain in the eyes for longer, making them even redder and more irritated than before.<\/p>\n

\"Risks<\/figure>\n

Risks of using eye drops with contact lenses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are several brands of eye drops suitable for use with contact lenses, but what can happen if you accidentally apply the wrong type of drop while wearing your lenses?<\/p>\n

Irritation<\/h4>\n

Some eye drops can cause a burning or stinging sensation due to the preservatives they contain. Ask your ophthalmologist whether preservative-free options are available.<\/p>\n

Blurry vision<\/h4>\n

Depending on the type of eye drop you use, it may contain oils or other additives that are harmful to contact lenses. These can create a film-like coating that causes blurry or hazy vision.<\/p>\n

If you’re unsure whether the eye drops you’ve bought are safe to use with your lenses, your optician will always be happy to advise.<\/p>\n

Eye drops vs. contact lens solution<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Eye drops and contact lens solution are both safe and essential liquids for eye health, but they serve different purposes and should never be used interchangeably.<\/p>\n

Using contact lens solution instead of eye drops<\/h3>\n

Contact lens solution<\/a> is designed to disinfect and hydrate contact lenses, whereas artificial tears are formulated to lubricate the eyes. Since eye drops offer no disinfection benefits and cannot remove proteins, lipids, or residue from the lens surface, storing lenses in eye drops increases the risk of infection.<\/p>\n

Using contact lens solution as eye drops<\/h3>\n

If you try to use contact lens solution as eye drops to relieve dry eyes, it won’t replenish the tear film and offers only minimal benefit.<\/p>\n

You also risk damaging the surface of your eyes. The nozzle on a contact lens solution bottle isn’t designed to administer drops, and you could risk scratching the cornea and causing further irritation.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/figure>\n

Dry eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most common reasons people use eye drops is to keep their eyes hydrated and lubricated. Leaving aside dry winter air, medication, or allergies, dry eyes can be caused by contact lens wear or may be a sign of a chronic condition.<\/p>\n

What to do if your contact lenses are causing dry eyes<\/h3>\n

Before wearing contact lenses, you should book an appointment with your optician. During this examination, the optician will check your eye health and determine which lenses may be most suitable for you. However, your eye health can change over time, and with it your contact lens needs.<\/p>\n

If you think your contact lenses are causing dry eyes, speak to your optician for advice on a different solution. Whether you switch to a silicone hydrogel<\/a> lens or a daily<\/a> lens, or try using recommended artificial tears, your optician will be able to advise on the best option to soothe your eyes.<\/p>\n

Chronic dry eye<\/h3>\n

Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition that prevents the eyes from producing enough tears, or is caused by an unstable tear film. It’s usually caused by age or other health issues such as lupus, thyroid disorder, or rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n

Depending on the severity of the condition, opticians may recommend eye drops, ointments, eyelid wipes, or warm compresses.<\/p>\n

If conventional treatment doesn’t work, your optician may recommend a specialist referral to your ophthalmologist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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