Does that dry, scratchy feeling ever creep up on you when you’re wearing your contact lenses? You know the one – it makes reading, driving, or just staring at a screen feel like a chore. For millions of contact lens wearers, this discomfort is a daily reality. Choosing the right rewetting drops can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need something for protein buildup? Are you looking for preservative-free? The sheer number of bottles on the shelf can make your head spin, and you just want relief that actually works.
That constant searching for the perfect drop is frustrating and wastes time. We understand that finding the right formula is key to all-day comfort. This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a rewetting drop effective, what ingredients to look for, and how to match the perfect bottle to your specific eye needs. Get ready to say goodbye to midday dryness for good!
Table of Contents
Top Rewetting Drops For Contacts Recommendations
- 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
- Rewetting contact eye drops: Lubricates and rewets while you wear your contact lenses. Ideal for extended wear, frequent replacement, and disposable soft lenses. Helps keep eyes comfortable.
- Comfort and moisture: Solution that soothes, and moisturizes, and refreshes lenses. Helps relieve dryness and irritation caused by contact lens wear.
- Bausch + Lomb Eye Care: Trusted by eye care professionals since 1853, Bausch + Lomb offers a complete range of solutions including eye drops, supplements, lens care, and contact lens solution. Each product supports and maintains overall eye health.
- Renu Value: Trusted by over millions households nationwide, Renu offers everyday value in contact lens solution and rewetting drops from the eye care experts at Bausch + Lomb.
- Please review all label information upon delivery to ensure proper handling and use.
- Relief with Every Blink: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops moisturize dry contact lenses to provide long-lasting comfort. These drops work with the eye's natural tears to help keep your contact lenses feeling fresh and comfortable all day
- Hydration Boost with Hyaluronate: Our moisturizing eye drops instantly moisturize dry lenses. Our unique hyaluronate formulate works as a hydration booster to help contacts stay refreshed and comfortable through end of day
- Comfort till End of Day: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops are formulated with beneficial electrolytes similar to those found in natural tears. Enjoy the freedom to wear your soft or RGP lenses while experiencing long-lasting comfort
- Moisturizes Dry Lenses: The Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops rewet and moisturize lenses before insertion and during wear, moisturizing and refreshing lenses. They reduce the feeling of contact lens dryness to help maintain comfort to the end of the day and reduce discomfort that may lead to removing your lenses early
- Trusted Brand: Blink has a range of products to meet your eye and contact lens care needs, from drops for dry eyes to lock in moisture, to preservative-free formulas; and contact lens drops to keep your contacts clean and hydrated. Blink products provide comfort and hydration, to help your eyes and contacts feel moisturized
- Original strength formula
- Relieves mild symptoms of eye dryness due to contact lens wear
- Instantly moisturizes and lubricates
- 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
- Relief with Every Blink: Over the course of the day, a film of protein and other material can build up on your contact lenses, irritating your eyes. Blink eye drops for contact lenses provide convenient and gentle in-eye contact lens cleaning
- Clean & Moisturize: Blink sterile, preserved rewetting drops for contact lenses do more than just moisturize, they clean too. The dual cleansing formula gently removes build up and moisturizes your contact lenses while you wear them
- On-the-Go Cleaning: Experience the convenience of in-eye cleaning. These contact lens eye drops gently remove particles and material that can cause irritation and discomfort, keeping your lenses feeling fresh and your vision clear
- Works for All Lenses: Whether you wear soft or rigid gas permeable lenses, our contact rewetting drops instantly moisturize and gently cleanse your lenses. Enjoy the benefits of a moisturizing and cleansing solution that suits your contact lens type
- Trusted Brand: Blink has a range of products to meet your eye and contact lens care needs, from drops for dry eyes to lock in moisture, to preservative-free formulas; and contact lens drops to keep your contacts clean and hydrated. Blink products provide comfort and hydration, to help your eyes and contacts feel moisturized
- NATURALLY INSPIRED INGREDIENTS: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are enhanced with HA (Hyaluronan), Antioxidant (Protects HA from free radicals), and Electrolyte.
- LASTING MOISTURE: For up to 8 hours of moisture (based on a laboratory study) and to help prevent deposit buildup.
- REWETTING DROPS FOR CONTACT LENSES: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are the first preservative free multi-dose contact lens drops.
- BIOTRUE CONTACT LENS DROPS: Not only are Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts free of preservatives but they are also pH balanced for comfort.
- EYE DROPS & MORE: Bausch + Lomb makes eye care products you can trust, from contact lens solutions to eye drops, vitamins, & ointments to help your contacts and eyes feel moisturized and protected.
- 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
- The information below is per-pack only
- 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
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Rewetting Drops for Contacts
Do your contact lenses sometimes feel dry or scratchy? Rewetting drops are the answer! These handy little bottles bring moisture back to your lenses, making your eyes feel comfortable all day long. Picking the right drops can be tricky because there are so many choices. This guide helps you find the perfect match for your eyes and lenses.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for rewetting drops, look for these important features. They make a big difference in how well the drops work.
1. Ingredients That Match Your Needs
- Lubricants: These are the most important part. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). These grab onto water and keep your lenses moist for longer.
- Preservative-Free Options: If your eyes are sensitive, choose drops without preservatives. Preservatives can sometimes cause irritation, especially if you use drops often.
- Electrolytes and pH Balance: Good drops match the natural balance of your tears. This makes them feel soothing, not stinging.
2. Compatibility with Your Lenses
Not all drops work with all lenses. Check the bottle!
- Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: Some older drops can break down the material in newer, high-oxygen lenses. Make sure the drops are safe for your specific lens type.
- Colored Contacts: If you wear colored lenses, confirm the drops won’t cause the color to leach out or stain your lenses.
Important Materials in Rewetting Drops
The materials inside the bottle determine how long the relief lasts and how gentle the drops are.
Common Moisturizing Agents
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC): This is a very common ingredient. It makes the liquid thicker, so it stays on the lens surface longer.
- Carbomer: This material creates a smooth, cushiony layer over the lens. It offers excellent, long-lasting comfort.
What to Avoid (If You Have Sensitive Eyes)
Some drops use ingredients to keep the solution fresh for a long time. While useful, these can sometimes bother sensitive eyes.
- Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK): This is a common preservative. People who use drops more than four times a day usually prefer BAK-free options.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of rewetting drops relies on how they are made and how they interact with your eyes.
Quality Boosters:
- Small Bottle Size: Smaller bottles (under 15ml) are easier to carry. They also reduce the chance of contamination once you open them.
- Sterility: Always buy sealed products. Contaminated drops can seriously harm your eyes.
Quality Reducers:
- After Opening Shelf Life: Most drops must be thrown away 30 days after opening, even if liquid remains. Ignoring this short shelf life reduces quality and increases risk.
- High Viscosity (Too Thick): Drops that are too thick can blur your vision temporarily. They might also leave a film on your lenses.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the drops affects which type you should buy. Think about when you need them most.
When Do You Need Drops?
- End-of-Day Dryness: If your eyes feel dry only after 10 hours of wear, a basic, preservative-free drop might be enough.
- Environmental Stress: If you work in a very dry office or spend time near air conditioning, look for drops with strong lubricants like HA for maximum defense.
- Screen Time Relief: Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, causing dryness. Keep a bottle right next to your computer for quick rewetting.
Good drops feel instantly soothing. They should not sting or leave a sticky feeling. They should clear up your vision quickly after application.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rewetting Drops
Q: Can I use rewetting drops instead of contact lens solution?
A: No. Rewetting drops only add moisture. They do not clean or disinfect your lenses. You must use a proper multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide solution for cleaning.
Q: How often should I use rewetting drops?
A: Use them whenever your eyes feel dry or tired. If you use them more than four times a day, switch to a preservative-free brand.
Q: Can I put rewetting drops in my eyes while wearing my contacts?
A: Yes, that is their main purpose! They are specifically designed to be used while the lenses are in your eyes.
Q: Are rewetting drops the same as artificial tears?
A: They are very similar, but rewetting drops are usually formulated to work better with lens materials. Always check the label to ensure the drops are safe for contact lens wearers.
Q: What happens if I use drops that are expired?
A: Expired drops lose their effectiveness, and their chemical balance might change. This can cause stinging or eye irritation. Never use expired drops.
Q: Do I need a prescription for rewetting drops?
A: No. Most high-quality rewetting drops are available over the counter without a prescription.
Q: Will rewetting drops ruin my contact lenses?
A: If you use the correct type of drop approved for your lens material, they will not cause damage. Using the wrong type, especially older formulas on newer silicone hydrogel lenses, might reduce lens quality.
Q: What should I do if the drops sting when I use them?
A: Stinging means the drops are not compatible with your eyes or your lenses. Stop using those drops immediately and try a preservative-free or a different brand.
Q: Can I use rewetting drops if I wear daily disposable lenses?
A: Yes, absolutely. Even though daily lenses are meant to be worn once, drops help you get through a long day before you discard them.
Q: How long can I keep an opened bottle of rewetting drops?
A: Most manufacturers say to discard the bottle 30 days after opening. Mark the date you opened it on the bottle with a pen.