Drops created for this purpose are frequently marketed as “rewetting drops. ” Look for the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in the ingredients list of your eye drops. It can cause hypersensitivity reactions and is toxic to the epithelial surface, and can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Avoid using any drops containing BAK or other preservatives. Avoid products that say they “get the red out. ” These products constrict the tiny blood vessels in the white part of your eye and get rid of redness, but they do nothing to alleviate dryness. Never put anything into your eyes unless the label says “ophthalmic. ”
Avoid touching the dropper tip. You don’t want to get it dirty, even with invisible bacteria.
Don’t let the dropper touch your eye. Hold it about 3/4 of an inch above your eye. Don’t let it touch your eyelashes or eyelid either. Some people find it easier to do this lying down or in front of a mirror. If you lie down, try to tilt your head forward a little bit so that you can still create a bucket with your lower lid.
You can gently press on the inner part of your eye for about thirty seconds if you want to. With your eyes closed, press one or two fingers against your lid on the side of your eye closest to your nose. This will keep the drops around your eye and contact for longer. If you feel you need to put more drops in the same eye, wait about five minutes before doing so.
Your doctor may recommend flaxseed oil. Like fish, this oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids. Some evidence suggests that taking 1 to 2 grams of flaxseed per day can help people whose eyes don’t produce enough tears. Store flaxseed oil in a cool, dark place. Look for cold-pressed flaxseed oil, as heat can destroy the nutritional value. [3] X Research source
If you accidentally fall asleep in your contacts, you should immediately put artificial tears in when you wake up. Don’t pull your contacts out until you have moistened your eyes thoroughly. You could scratch your cornea! There are a few brands of contact lenses approved by the FDA for overnight wear. Check with your eye doctor if you’re interested in these.
