Eye health resources

What to know about lubricating eye drops

Q: How can lubricating eye drops help with dry eye?

Lubricating eye drops help relieve the symptoms of dryness, irritation, and redness by providing moisture to the eye. They act as artificial tears to help supplement moisture to the surface of the eye.

Q: Are there any side effects of using lubricating eye drops?

Most lubricating eye drops are safe when used as directed, but some people may experience mild irritation, temporary blurry vision, or a stinging sensation. If the symptoms persist, discontinue use and consult your eye doctor.

Q: Can I use regular eye drops with contact lenses?

No, not all eye drops are safe for use with contact lenses. Look for drops specifically labeled as "safe for contact lenses" to avoid any residue buildup on your lenses or ingredients that may cause irritation if absorbed into your lenses.

Q: What are the best lubricating drops for contact lens wearers?

The best person to answer this is your eye doctor, since the contact lenses that are prescribed to you may work better with specific eye drops.

Q: Should I stop wearing contact lenses if I have dry eye?

Clinically diagnosed dry eye disease can be made worse by contact lens wear, so your eye care professional may advise pausing use temporarily while symptoms are managed, or discontinuing it altogether if the condition is severe; however, some dry eye patients can be stabilized with treatment to the point of being able to continue wearing lenses.

Medically reviewed on September 23, 2025

•

Published on February 10, 2026

•

6 minute read

The soothing powers of lubricating eye drops

Types of lubricating eye drops

What to know about using eye drops with contacts

Not sure which eye drops to use?

Find an eye doctor

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How can lubricating eye drops help with dry eye?

Are there any side effects of using lubricating eye drops?

Can I use regular eye drops with contact lenses?

What are the best lubricating drops for contact lens wearers?

Should I stop wearing contact lenses if I have dry eye?

What to know about lubricating eye drops

The soothing powers of lubricating eye drops

Types of lubricating eye drops

What to know about using eye drops with contacts

Not sure which eye drops to use?

Frequently asked questions

Related content

Dry eye—causes, symptoms, potential treatments

Dry eye after cataract surgery