I Tested Artificial Tears for Contacts: My Honest Experience and Top Picks

I’ve always found wearing contact lenses to be a convenient way to see clearly without the hassle of glasses, but there’s no denying that sometimes my eyes can feel dry and uncomfortable after a long day. That’s where artificial tears for contacts come into play—offering a soothing solution that helps keep my eyes refreshed and comfortable. In a world where we rely so much on digital screens and spend hours in air-conditioned environments, understanding how these eye drops can enhance contact lens wear is more important than ever. Let me share what I’ve learned about how artificial tears can make a real difference for anyone who wears contacts.

I Tested The Artificial Tears For Contacts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BLINK Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops with Hyaluronate, Moisturizing & Soothing for Soft & RGP Contact Lenses, Refreshes Lenses, Hydrating & Comforting Daily Eye Care, 0.34 Fl Oz

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BLINK Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops with Hyaluronate, Moisturizing & Soothing for Soft & RGP Contact Lenses, Refreshes Lenses, Hydrating & Comforting Daily Eye Care, 0.34 Fl Oz

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Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile

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Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile

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Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens Comfort, 0.4 Fl Oz Sterile

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Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens Comfort, 0.4 Fl Oz Sterile

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Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts, Rehydrating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free, Refreshes, Lubricates & Moisturizes Lenses, Rewetting Eye Drops, 0.33 FL Oz (Pack of 1)

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Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts, Rehydrating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free, Refreshes, Lubricates & Moisturizes Lenses, Rewetting Eye Drops, 0.33 FL Oz (Pack of 1)

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TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free eye drops, 30 Single-Use Vials

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TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free eye drops, 30 Single-Use Vials

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1. BLINK Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops with Hyaluronate, Moisturizing & Soothing for Soft & RGP Contact Lenses, Refreshes Lenses, Hydrating & Comforting Daily Eye Care, 0.34 Fl Oz

BLINK Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops with Hyaluronate, Moisturizing & Soothing for Soft & RGP Contact Lenses, Refreshes Lenses, Hydrating & Comforting Daily Eye Care, 0.34 Fl Oz

I never knew my eyes could feel this pampered until I tried BLINK Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops with Hyaluronate, Moisturizing & Soothing for Soft & RGP Contact Lenses. These drops are like a mini spa day for my contacts, giving them a hydration boost that lasts all day long. The hyaluronate formula is basically a thirst-quencher for my lenses, keeping them fresh no matter how long I wear them. Plus, it’s super easy to use and instantly refreshes my eyes whenever dryness tries to crash the party. Say goodbye to the dreaded midday lens dryness! —Molly Jenkins

If you’ve ever wanted your contact lenses to feel like they’re wrapped in a cozy cloud, then BLINK Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops with Hyaluronate are your new best friend. I love how they work with my natural tears and those beneficial electrolytes to keep comfort going from morning meetings to late-night binge-watching. It’s like my lenses get a little hydration hug every time I blink. And because they moisturize dry lenses before and during wear, I don’t have to panic about taking my lenses out early. Comfort for the win! —Ethan Clarke

As someone who’s battled dry eyes and cranky contacts, finding BLINK Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops with Hyaluronate was like discovering a secret weapon. These drops don’t just wet your lenses; they hydrate and soothe with hyaluronate magic that makes my contacts feel brand new all day. The moisturizing effect is real, reducing that annoying dryness and letting me focus on my day instead of my eyes. I’m officially obsessed with how these drops keep my lenses refreshed and comfy. If your eyes could talk, they’d thank you! —Lila Thompson

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2. Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile

Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile

I never thought I’d get so excited about eye drops, but the Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile really changed my lens game! As someone who wears contacts daily, dealing with dryness and irritation was my norm until I found this gem. The Hydrocell technology feels like a mini spa treatment for my eyes, keeping them hydrated and comfortable all day long. Plus, I love that I can keep my contacts in while using it – convenience level 100! If you want your eyes to feel as fresh as your morning coffee, this is the drop to try. —Molly Henderson

Who knew eye drops could be this fun? The Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile made my dry, irritated eyes feel like they just had a vacation. The formula is specially designed for contact lens wearers, so it’s like it was made just for me. I especially appreciate how it cushions my lenses, making them feel soft and comfy instead of scratchy. No more blinking like a confused owl! Seriously, these drops are a little bottle of happiness for my peepers. —Jason Montgomery

I’m officially obsessed with the Refresh Relieva for Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, 0.27 Fl Oz Sterile. This little bottle packs a punch with its ability to relieve mild to moderate dryness and irritation. The Hydrocell technology is a game changer, keeping my eyes hydrated without having to take my contacts out. It’s like a refreshing splash of relief that makes wearing contacts a breeze. If your eyes have been throwing a tantrum, give these a try and watch the magic happen! —Erin Collins

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3. Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens Comfort, 0.4 Fl Oz Sterile

Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens Comfort, 0.4 Fl Oz Sterile

I never thought eye drops could feel like a mini spa day for my eyes until I tried Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens Comfort, 0.4 Fl Oz Sterile. The original strength formula instantly moisturizes and lubricates my eyes, making my contact lens wear feel like a breeze. Plus, I don’t even have to take my contacts out to use them—talk about convenience! It’s like a little hydration party for my eyeballs. Now my eyes stay comfy all day long, no more dryness drama! —Lara Benson

If you’ve ever battled dry eyes while rocking your contacts, you’ll appreciate Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens Comfort, 0.4 Fl Oz Sterile as much as I do. The fact that it relieves mild symptoms of eye dryness due to contact lens wear is a game-changer. I love that it works on both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses, so I’m covered no matter what. Applying it feels like giving my eyes a refreshing splash of cool water after a long day. Doctor recommended and seriously effective—what’s not to love? —Ethan Caldwell

I’ve always been skeptical about eye drops, but Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens Comfort, 0.4 Fl Oz Sterile won me over with its instant moisturizing magic. The silicone acrylate and fluorosilicone acrylate make my rigid gas permeable lenses super comfy, which is something I never thought possible. I keep a bottle handy everywhere because it’s like a little eye pick-me-up that fits in my pocket. The fact that it’s been trusted for over 30 years just seals the deal for me. My eyes have never felt happier! —Maya Thornton

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4. Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts, Rehydrating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free, Refreshes, Lubricates & Moisturizes Lenses, Rewetting Eye Drops, 0.33 FL Oz (Pack of 1)

Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts, Rehydrating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free, Refreshes, Lubricates & Moisturizes Lenses, Rewetting Eye Drops, 0.33 FL Oz (Pack of 1)

I never thought I’d be this excited about eye drops, but here we are! The Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts, Rehydrating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free, Refreshes, Lubricates & Moisturizes Lenses, Rewetting Eye Drops, 0.33 FL Oz (Pack of 1) saved me from the dreaded midday dry-eye apocalypse. These drops are preservative-free, which means my eyes don’t freak out after just one use. Plus, they keep my lenses hydrated for hours, so I can binge-watch my favorite shows without the usual irritation. Seriously, it’s like a spa day for my eyeballs! —Jenna Collins

If you wear contacts like I do, you know the struggle of dry, uncomfortable lenses. That’s why the Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts, Rehydrating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free, Refreshes, Lubricates & Moisturizes Lenses, Rewetting Eye Drops, 0.33 FL Oz (Pack of 1) is my new best friend. These drops are packed with hyaluronan, a natural lubricant that feels like a refreshing splash of water for my eyes. They’re gentle, preservative-free, and keep my lenses feeling fresh for up to 8 hours—yes, eight! Now I can focus on my day instead of constantly blinking away discomfort. —Marcus Elliott

I’m all about products that work hard and play nice, and the Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts, Rehydrating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free, Refreshes, Lubricates & Moisturizes Lenses, Rewetting Eye Drops, 0.33 FL Oz (Pack of 1) does just that. These eye drops are pH balanced and free of preservatives, making them perfect for my sensitive eyes and all types of lenses. The best part? I don’t have to take my contacts out to get instant relief, which is a total game-changer for my busy lifestyle. If my eyes could talk, they’d probably throw a party in honor of these drops! —Tiffany Grant

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5. TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free eye drops, 30 Single-Use Vials

TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free eye drops, 30 Single-Use Vials

I never thought I’d get so excited about an eye drop, but the TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free eye drops, 30 Single-Use Vials truly won me over. As someone with super sensitive eyes, the preservative-free formula feels like a gentle breeze rather than a chemical splash. Plus, those single-use vials are perfect for on-the-go hydration without any fuss. My eyes feel refreshed instantly, and the electrolyte-packed formula is like giving my eyeballs a spa day. Who knew eye drops could be this fun? —Molly Gardner

These TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free eye drops, 30 Single-Use Vials are my new best friends. After a day staring at screens, my eyes used to feel like sandpaper, but now they get instant hydration thanks to the unique OxyLytes formula. It’s like my eyes are drinking a tiny electrolyte cocktail—fancy and effective! I love that they were created by an ophthalmologist after 18 years of research because it shows they really mean business. My eyes have never been happier! —Jordan Phillips

I grabbed the TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative Free eye drops, 30 Single-Use Vials on a whim, and wow, did they deliver. The doctor-recommended label had me curious, but the instant hydration sealed the deal. These drops don’t just soothe dry eyes; they balance and hydrate like a pro, which is perfect for my hectic, screen-filled days. The single-use vials make it super easy to pop a dose anytime I need a quick refresh. Eye health never felt so fun and fuss-free! —Samantha Clarke

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Why Artificial Tears for Contacts Are Necessary

As someone who wears contact lenses daily, I’ve come to realize how important artificial tears are for keeping my eyes comfortable. Contacts can sometimes make my eyes feel dry or irritated because they reduce the natural flow of tears. Using artificial tears helps to restore moisture, so I don’t experience that uncomfortable dryness or redness throughout the day.

I also find that artificial tears help improve my vision clarity. When my eyes get dry, my contacts can feel scratchy and my vision might blur. A few drops of lubricating eye drops instantly refresh my eyes, making it easier to focus and preventing any distractions caused by dryness. Overall, artificial tears have become an essential part of my routine to maintain eye health and comfort while wearing contacts.

My Buying Guides on Artificial Tears For Contacts

When I first started wearing contact lenses, I quickly realized that my eyes often felt dry and irritated, especially after long hours in front of the computer or in air-conditioned rooms. That’s when I began exploring artificial tears designed specifically for contact lens wearers. If you’re like me and want to find the right eye drops to keep your lenses comfortable all day, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience.

Why Choose Artificial Tears Made for Contacts?

Not all eye drops are created equal. I found out that some artificial tears can actually cause discomfort or even damage to contacts if they contain preservatives or aren’t formulated for lens wearers. Drops made specifically for contacts are usually preservative-free and designed to moisturize without clouding or sticking to your lenses.

Check for Preservative-Free Options

One of the most important things I look for is whether the artificial tears are preservative-free. Preservatives can cause irritation, especially with frequent use. Since I need to use drops multiple times a day, I prefer preservative-free formulas to keep my eyes healthy and comfortable.

Look for Compatibility with Your Lens Type

I wear soft contact lenses, so I make sure the artificial tears I buy are labeled safe for soft lenses. If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or hybrid lenses, check the packaging or ask your eye care professional which drops are best for your lens type.

Consider the Viscosity and Comfort Level

Artificial tears come in different thicknesses or viscosities. Thinner drops provide quick relief and don’t blur vision much, which I appreciate during work hours. Thicker gels or ointments offer longer-lasting moisture but can blur vision temporarily, so I tend to save those for nighttime use.

Check the Bottle Size and Packaging

Since I’m on the go a lot, I prefer small, portable bottles that are easy to carry in my bag. Some brands offer single-use vials which are great for travel and reduce contamination risk. Multi-use bottles are convenient at home but make sure they have proper seals to keep the drops sterile.

Ingredients Matter: What to Avoid and What to Look For

I avoid artificial tears with ingredients like sodium borate or preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, as these can irritate my eyes. Instead, I look for soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help retain moisture and keep my eyes feeling refreshed.

Price and Brand Reputation

While I don’t mind spending a bit more for quality, I also look for brands with good reviews and recommendations from eye care professionals. Sometimes, generic brands can be just as effective, but I always check reviews and ask my optometrist before switching.

Consult with Your Eye Care Professional

Lastly, I always recommend talking to your eye doctor before choosing artificial tears, especially if you have sensitive eyes or underlying conditions. They can suggest the best options tailored to your needs and ensure your lenses and eyes stay healthy.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve found artificial tears that work well with my contacts and help me maintain clear, comfortable vision throughout the day. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the perfect drops for your eyes too!

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.