Why do you need to remove contact lenses before using allergy eye drops?

Question

I just want to know if there are any bad effects to using them while they are on. I have used allergy eye drops a few times with contacts on, but now I try not to. Any information would be great!

Answer 1

The drug would probably stick to or react with the lenses.

Answer 2

Put the drops in first then put your contacts on about 5min later...

The medication probably contains preservatives as well as the pharmaceutical agent.  These can get stuck in the lens over time (very quickly actually).  Your eyes can become sensitive to these compounds as well as the lens material they are trapped in causing an allergic reaction.  Some medications may even alter the structure of the lenses, which will cause you to see blurry.

Answer 3

I would guess because the lenses almost cause a block around the eye. It could also dry up the contact lense, which obviously make them shrink.

Answer 4

Some of the chemicals used to preserve and buffer the eye drops are not compatible with many soft contact lens materials.  The contact lenses can become discolored and their ability to stay soft and moist can be reduced when they come into contact with improper chemicals.