Quick List - Top Rewetting Drops for Contacts
Blink Contacts
Suitable for Soft and Hard Contacts
Originally from Los Angeles, Dr. Shuwarger graduated from the New England College of Optometry in Boston in 1991. He had practiced in the Texas Panhandle, where he learned to manage Dry Eye Syndrome and its unique complications with soft contact lenses. He stayed in Texas for 27 years until 2018, when he moved to Colorado and never looked back. Since then, he has been practicing in Pueblo, Colorado, where he sees people of all ages and with visual needs. He thoroughly enjoys his job— especially when putting glasses on an infant or toddler who, for the first time, can see their parents clearly. Dr. Shuwarger is so committed to helping vision that his hobbies of astronomy and astrophotography are visually based, too.
With over a decade of weightlifting experience, Christopher Heffner is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys starting his day with a good workout. He also has a background in engineering and business, bringing a unique blend of technical knowledge and practicality to his endeavors.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Some normal eye drops have preservatives that may harm the contact lens.
The primary difference between rewetting drops and regular eye drops is the exact way they're used: rewetting drops are intended for use with contact lenses, whereas standard drops are not. Preservatives are a notable differentiating factor, as drops not formulated with contacts in mind have the potential to do more harm than good.
Just because an eyedrop is approved for soft contact lens use doesn’t necessarily mean that it is also approved for hard or gas-permeable lenses.
The first thing to check when looking for rewetting drops is whether or not they're compatible with your contact lenses. Soft contact lenses absorb fluid and slowly release it into your tears; therefore, your eyes are constantly exposed to the constituents of the drops throughout the day. As such, drops for these lenses will be chemically different than for other types, and drops formulated for other lenses may or may not be compatible with soft lenses. Fortunately, manufacturers often specify if their rewetting drops are designed to work with soft or gas-permeable contact lenses on the label, so make sure to check.
The presence of preservatives is another critical factor to consider since they can be an irritant for some people. Still, they can also make your rewetting drops more convenient to use.
Many people have allergic reactions to preservatives.
Dr.Shuwarger is adamant that preservatives should be avoided for two reasons: "Preservatives may harm [certain] contact lenses" and the likelihood of allergic reactions. Those with sensitive eyes should avoid preservatives as a possible irritant.
“Disappearing preservative” eye drops (preservatives that rapidly degrade with UV light).
Look for Carboxymethylcellulose sodium— a lubricating and thickening agent, and Glycerin— a type of oil that allows your tears to last longer.
Longer-lasting relief from dry eyes is always appreciated, but sometimes, it can be difficult to discern what will actually provide the relief you're looking for. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium and glycerine thicken eye drops and increase lubrication and tear longevity, respectively.
It is far safer and easier to use unpreserved drops that have been manufactured in sterile environments.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lens Compatibility | Preservative-Free | Long-Lasting Relief Ingredients | Compact Package | Volume | |||||
1 | Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops for Soft & RGP Contact Lenses | ![]() | Suitable for Soft and Hard Contacts | Soft Lenses、Rigid Lenses、Gas Permeable Lenses | unknown | 0.34 Ounces | |||
2 | Refresh Contacts Contact Lens Comfort Drops | ![]() | Drops that Mimic Natural Tears for Soft and Hard Lenses | Soft Lenses、Rigid Lenses、Gas Permeable Lenses | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium | 0.4 Ounces | |||
3 | Alcon Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops | ![]() | Long-Lasting Drops for Soft Lenses | Soft Lenses | unknown | 0.4 Ounces | |||
4 | Hycosan Extra | ![]() | Preservative-Free and Designed for Sensitive Eyes | unknown | unknown | 0.2 Ounces | |||
5 | Clear Eyes Contact Lens Relief, Two-Pack | ![]() | A Two-Pack for Soft Lenses | Soft Lenses | unknown | Glycerine | 0.5 Ounces | ||
6 | Renu Contact Lens Moisture Drops | ![]() | Relief from Environmental Irritants | Soft Lenses | unknown | unknown | 0.27 Ounces | ||
7 | Boston Rewetting Drops | ![]() | Designed for Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses | Rigid Lenses、Gas Permeable Lenses | unknown | 0.33 Ounces | |||
8 | Optics Laboratory Eye-Cept Rewetting Drops | ![]() | Single-Use Vials of Rewetting Drops | Soft Lenses | unknown | 0.02 Ounces |
Lens Compatibility | Soft Lenses、Rigid Lenses、Gas Permeable Lenses |
---|---|
Preservative-Free |
The drops are designed to be gentle and compatible with all contact lenses. They can be used before inserting lenses to enhance comfort or after insertion to refresh and rewet the lenses. The convenient multi-dose bottle allows easy application and ensures the drops remain sterile. Customers appreciate these drops' value and relief, even those with sensitive eyes.
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.34 Ounces |
Lens Compatibility | Soft Lenses、Rigid Lenses、Gas Permeable Lenses |
---|---|
Preservative-Free |
Refresh Contacts are lubricating eye drops designed to provide soothing relief from the dryness and irritation often experienced with contact lens wear. The drops contain carboxymethylcellulose sodium, a lubricating agent that mimics the eye's natural tears. Refresh Contacts are compatible with soft and RGP contact lenses. The drops are formulated to be gentle and non-irritating, making them suitable for sensitive eyes. The convenient bottle design allows for easy and hygienic application.
Refresh Contacts are also available in a preservative-free formulation for individuals with heightened sensitivities. The drops can be used before inserting lenses to enhance initial comfort or after insertion to provide ongoing relief throughout the day. Customers appreciate the quick relief these drops offer, with many also mentioning the drops being free of irritation even with repeated uses.
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.4 Ounces |
Lens Compatibility | Soft Lenses |
---|---|
Preservative-Free | unknown |
Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops are designed to rehydrate contact lenses and provide lasting comfort throughout the day. They are formulated specifically for soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel lenses. These rewetting drops can alleviate dryness, discomfort, and the feeling of grittiness or foreign bodies in the eye. The drops are designed to be gentle and compatible with soft contact lenses.
They can be applied directly to the lenses while worn, providing immediate relief and enhancing comfort. They are popular among reviewers who experience dryness or discomfort, especially those who spend long hours in front of screens or dry environments. Customers have mentioned that these drops provide quick and ongoing relief.
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.4 Ounces |
Hycosan Extra is a preservative-free lubricating eye drop designed to be gentle and well-tolerated, thus making it suitable for even the most sensitive eyes. The preservative-free formulation of Hycosan Extra ensures that it can be used frequently with minimal risk of irritation or toxicity. Some customers mention that these are the only rewetting drops that constantly provide relief to their eyes, one of whom mentions explicitly the lack of glycerin as a benefit.
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.2 Ounces |
Lens Compatibility | Soft Lenses |
---|---|
Preservative-Free | unknown |
Clear Eyes Contact Lens Relief is purported to provide soothing relief from the dryness, irritation, and discomfort associated with contact lens wear. The drops contain a combination of lubricants and demulcents that work together to moisturize the eyes and reduce friction caused by contact lenses. Clear Eyes Contact Lens Relief is compatible with soft contact lenses and can alleviate symptoms throughout the day. Being a two-pack, many customers praised the value these drops provide and the relief to their dry, itchy eyes. However, it should be noted that one customer did have an allergic reaction to them.
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.5 Ounces |
Lens Compatibility | Soft Lenses |
---|---|
Preservative-Free | unknown |
Bausch and Lomb manufactures Renu Contact Lens Moisture Drops for use with soft contact lenses. They provide comfort and reduce dryness throughout the day. The drops contain povidone, a lubricating agent that helps to create a protective layer over the lens surface, reducing friction and enhancing moisture retention. Customer reviews mention using these drops to relieve dry eyes while traveling and irritation due to high amounts of particulates such as pollen and smoke.
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.27 Ounces |
Lens Compatibility | Rigid Lenses、Gas Permeable Lenses |
---|---|
Preservative-Free | unknown |
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.33 Ounces |
Lens Compatibility | Soft Lenses |
---|---|
Preservative-Free |
Optics Laboratory Eye-Cept Rewetting Drops are available in single-use vials and contain a combination of ingredients that moisturize the eyes and reduce dryness. While customers are generally satisfied with the drops themselves, there are complaints about the packaging: the single-use vials are constructed to ensure that any unused product must be discarded.
Compact Package | |
---|---|
Volume | 0.02 Ounces |
Check out these other options if you wear contact lenses
No. 1: Blink Contacts|Lubricating Eye Drops for Soft & RGP Contact Lenses
No. 2: Refresh Contacts|Contact Lens Comfort Drops
No. 3: Alcon|Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops
No. 4: Hycosan|Extra
No. 5: Clear Eyes|Contact Lens Relief, Two-Pack
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