Philip Walsh - Using eye drops while wearing contact lenses

Modern contact lenses are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear, but many people still face some issues with feelings of dryness on the eyes as they wear them. If your contacts are making your eyes feel drier than usual, you can alleviate the symptoms by applying certain types of eye drops.

Making sure your lenses have enough lubrication is a crucial part of wearing your contacts safely and comfortably. Before applying your contacts, it's important to clean them with the right solution so they’re moist enough to insert easily onto your eyeball.

However, during the day it's not uncommon for contact wearers to feel their lenses are getting drier. When this happens, make sure you have eye drops suitable for contact lenses on hand. These are often called 're-wetting' drops and will state clearly on the label whether or not they’re appropriate for use while wearing soft contact lenses.

The purpose of these re-wetting drops is to provide extra lubrication for your eye and hydration for the lens, so you can feel more comfortable as you continue to wear your contacts. In this way, they act to soothe any irritation associated with the dryness. You can always ask your Specsavers optometrist for professional recommendations during your check-ups and eye exams.

Eye drops can be used regularly; whenever you feel that your lenses lack moisture or your eyes are getting too dry. Always follow the directions on the label for applying the eye drops, and be sure to ask your optometrist if you have any further questions.

There are other types of eye drops available, but it's best to select the products that have been formulated specifically for use with contact lenses. Without the right type of lubricating eye drops, your contacts could become damaged or clouded, impeding your vision and potentially causing problems for your eyes later on.

For more information and advice on eye drops that are safe for contact lenses, head in to your local Specsavers store, or visit the website for more information: www.specsavers.co.nz