What happens if I put in drops before putting in my contact lenses?

The order in which you use eye drops and contact lenses may seem like an unimportant detail, but it can affect your eyes' comfort.

Many people ask the same question: can I use eye drops before putting in my contact lenses? Is it bad? Is it better to do it afterward? Can I use any type of eye drops with contact lenses?

The short answer is: it depends on the type of drops. Not all artificial tears or eye drops are intended for use before inserting a contact lens. Therefore, it's important to know how to differentiate which products are compatible and which you should avoid.

Can you use eye drops before putting in contact lenses?

Yes, in some cases you can use eye drops before putting in your contact lenses, but only if they are drops compatible with contact lenses.

For example, many artificial tears or hydrating drops indicated for contact lens wearers can be applied before insertion. This can help if you experience dry eyes upon waking or if you feel discomfort before starting your day.

The usual practice is to apply the drops, wait a few minutes, and then insert the contact lenses when your eyes are more hydrated and comfortable.

But not all drops are suitable for this. Some contain preservatives or active ingredients that should not come into direct contact with the contact lens.

Types of drops: which you can use and which to avoid

Generally, we can differentiate two main groups.

1. Contact lens compatible drops

These are hydrating drops or artificial tears formulated for contact lens wearers. They are usually designed to improve comfort, relieve dryness, and help keep the eye more hydrated during use.

These drops can be used before putting in your contact lenses and, if the packaging indicates, also with your contact lenses in.

Before using them, always check that the product clearly states it is compatible with contact lenses.

2. Eye drops with preservatives or active ingredients

Here you need to be more careful.

Some eye drops are intended to treat allergies, infections, irritation, inflammation, or redness. In these cases, you should not use them just before putting in your contact lenses unless a professional has advised you to.

Using incompatible eye drops before inserting the contact lens can cause discomfort, blurred vision, or irritation.

What can happen if I use incompatible drops?

If you use incompatible drops just before putting in your contact lenses, you may experience:

• Blurred vision for several minutes.
• Stinging or burning sensation.
• Discomfort when inserting the lens.
• Mild irritation.
• Poor lens fit.
• Foreign body sensation.
• Increased discomfort throughout the day.

In the case of monthly contact lenses, using unsuitable products can also affect the lens material or promote residue accumulation.

If you experience discomfort after using drops when putting in your contact lenses, it is best to remove them and let your eyes rest.

How long should I wait after using drops?

It depends on the type of drops.

If they are artificial tears compatible with contact lenses, you can usually wait a few minutes before inserting the lenses. This small window helps the product to be well distributed over the eye.

If you are using medicated eye drops, for allergies, infection, inflammation or any specific treatment, it is most prudent to follow the instructions on the package insert or from a healthcare professional. In many cases, it may be advisable to wait between 15 and 20 minutes before putting on contact lenses, or even to avoid their use during treatment.

If you are unsure what type of drops you are using, don't improvise. Consult a pharmacy or your specialist first.

Can I use drops with my contact lenses in?

Yes, but only if the drops are suitable for use with contact lenses in.

There are artificial tears and lubricating drops specifically formulated for contact lens wearers. These can help improve comfort during the day, especially if you spend many hours in front of screens, in air conditioning, heating, or dry environments.

But if the product does not indicate that it is compatible with contact lenses, it is better not to use it with the lenses in.

In that case, it is safest to remove your contact lenses, apply the drops, and wait the recommended time before putting them back in.

Don't confuse eye drops with contact lens solution

This is important: contact lens solution is not eye drops.

All-in-one solution or contact lens solution is designed to clean, store, rinse, and disinfect contact lenses, especially for monthly lenses.

It is not designed to be put directly into the eye as if it were hydrating drops.

Similarly, eye drops or artificial tears are also not suitable for cleaning or disinfecting contact lenses. Each product has a distinct function:

• Drops help to hydrate or lubricate the eye.
• Contact lens solution is used to clean and store lenses.
• Medicated eye drops have a specific use and should be used as professionally directed.

What if my eyes are only dry when I wake up?

It is quite common to wake up with a feeling of dry eyes. In that case, if you wear contact lenses, you can apply compatible drops before putting them in.

A simple routine would be:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Apply contact lens compatible drops.
3. Wait a few minutes.
4. Insert your contact lenses when your eyes are more comfortable.

This order can help reduce friction when inserting the contact lens and improve the initial sensation of comfort.

If you experience frequent dryness, the type of contact lens you use may also be a factor. Daily contact lenses can be a practical option because you start with a new pair every day. Monthly lenses, on the other hand, require a correct cleaning and storage routine.

At OpticVue, the HydroPlus range is designed for a comfortable and hydrated experience during daily use.

Signs that you should remove your contact lenses

Even if you use drops, there are times when you should not continue wearing your contact lenses.

Remove them if you experience:

• Pain.
• Redness.
• Intense stinging.
• Persistent blurred vision.
• Strong gritty sensation.
• Excessive tearing.
• Light sensitivity.
• Discomfort that does not improve after a few minutes.

Drops can help with mild dryness, but they should not be used to "tough it out" with contact lenses that are bothering you.

If symptoms persist, consult a professional.

Tips for using drops and contact lenses correctly

To avoid discomfort, keep these recommendations in mind:

• Only use drops compatible with contact lenses.
• Do not use medicated eye drops with contact lenses unless professionally advised.
• Wait a few minutes after applying drops before inserting your contact lenses.
• Do not use contact lens solution as eye drops.
• Do not use expired drops or drops that have been open for too long.
• If you experience discomfort, remove your contact lenses.
• If you have frequent dryness, check if your contact lenses are well-suited to your routine.

In summary

So, what happens if you put drops in before putting on your contact lenses?

If they are contact lens compatible drops, there should be no problem. In fact, they can help you start the day with greater comfort if you have dry eyes.

The problem arises when you use incompatible drops, preservative-containing eye drops, or medical treatments just before inserting the contact lens. In these cases, you may experience irritation, blurred vision, or discomfort.

The key is simple: use contact lens-friendly drops, wait a few minutes before inserting them, and never confuse contact lens solution with eye drops.

At OpticVue, you can find daily and monthly contact lenses for myopia, as well as contact lens solution to complement the care routine for monthly options.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use artificial tears before putting in my contact lenses?

Yes, as long as they are artificial tears compatible with contact lenses. You can apply them before inserting your contact lenses and wait a few minutes.

Can I use drops with my contact lenses in?

Only if the product states that it is suitable for use with contact lenses in. If it doesn't, it's better to remove your contact lenses first.

Is it bad to use drops before contact lenses?

It doesn't have to be bad if the drops are compatible. The problem is using eye drops or unsuitable products just before inserting the lens.

Can I use medicated eye drops with contact lenses?

It depends on the treatment. If it's a medicated eye drop, always follow the healthcare professional's instructions. In many cases, it's best not to wear contact lenses during treatment.

Does contact lens solution work as eye drops?

No. Contact lens solution is used to clean, store, and disinfect lenses. It should not be used as eye drops.

What should I do if my eyes sting after using drops?

Remove your contact lenses, let your eyes rest, and do not put them back in if the discomfort continues. If there is pain, redness, or persistent blurred vision, consult a professional.