Can you use Lumify with contacts?
If you're tired of people making wisecracks about what they think you've been doing in your free time to make your eyes so red, you'll be happy to know about Lumify eye drops. Lumify helps keep your eyes looking clear and white for up to 8 hours. If you wonder if you can use Lumify with contacts, look no further — we've got the answer right here.
Lumify eye drops and contact lens compatibility
Lumify eye drops and contacts are like two best friends who you hope will get along so you can all go to the beach together. Unfortunately, they're more like a cat and a dog that have to take turns sitting on the couch — the couch being your eyes, in this case.
Understanding Lumify eye drops
Lumify can reduce redness (think bloodshot eyes) from swimming or not getting enough sleep (or other recreational activities), but it's specially made for minor eye irritations. Lumify eye drops differ from other over-the-counter "get the red out" drops because of its main ingredient: low-dose brimonidine.
Lumify and contact lens use
While people with contacts shouldn't use other over-the-counter redness reducers that contain vasoconstrictors, brimonidine works differently because it shrinks blood vessels without reducing oxygen flow and doesn't leave a film behind. While it's safe for contact users, you shouldn't put Lumify eye drops in while you're wearing your contacts.
Ingredients in Lumify
Lumify eye drops contain a preservative called benzalkonium chloride that can cause damage if absorbed by soft contact lenses. The key to safely using Lumify with contacts is to wait enough time after putting the drops in so that the coast is clear, and your eye area is once again safe for contacts.
Using Lumify eye drops with contacts safely
If you wear contacts, you don't want to squirt Lumify eye drops in your eyes all willy-nilly. There's a method to using the drops safely.
Removal of contact lenses
Back to our cat and dog analogy, you have to take the dog off the couch before bringing in the cat to avoid any problems. So, remove your contacts before putting in the Lumify eye drops. Don't put any other kinds of drops in before using Lumify, such as eye-wetting drops. You want your eyes clean and dry.
Waiting period after application
After you put Lumify eye drops into your contact-free (meaning no contacts at all) eyes, you need to wait 10 to 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in. This should be long enough for the cat to settle in, get comfy, and, hopefully (if all goes according to plan), not bother the dog.
Consultation with an eye care professional
You don't have to take our word for it. Ask your eye care professional (or veterinarian) to make doubly sure you're doing it right.
Potential risks and considerations
Even if you follow all the instructions carefully, you could still experience side effects when using Lumify eye drops. Some cats just don't like sharing the couch, no matter what you do.
Irritation or discomfort
While most people don't experience any side effects when using Lumify eye drops, some have reported eye irritation, increased redness, and even eye pain.
Impact on contact lens materials
Although the preservatives in Lumify eye drops have been found to affect soft contact lenses, most eye care professionals recommend removing any type of contact lenses from your eyes before putting in Lumify drops.
So, can you use Lumify with contacts?
Absolutely — as long as you remove them before using the drops and wait at least 10 minutes before putting your contacts back in. Another important tip is to make sure you wash your hands and avoid touching the tip of the applicator on any surface to avoid contaminating the contents with bacteria.
By the way, if you're looking for a place to order more contacts, 1-800 Contacts offers discounts, free shipping, online prescription renewal, and our Gazillion Percent Promise. But, sorry — we don't have any cats.
FAQs
Should I consult my eye care professional before using Lumify with contacts?
It's always a good idea to talk to your eye care professional about any issues related to your eye health or vision.
Is it safe to use Lumify regularly while wearing contact lenses?
Yes. As long as you're waiting the recommended time after putting in the Lumify drops and not experiencing any side effects, it's safe to use Lumify regularly, up to four times a day.
Can I use Lumify if I have dry eyes in conjunction with contact lenses?
Lumify only treats redness. You can also use eye-wetting drops for dry eyes. To do this safely, put Lumify eye drops in first, and then wait at least 5 minutes before putting in any other drops.
Are there alternative redness-relief options that are more suitable for contact lens wearers?
Lumify is more suitable for redness relief than vasoconstrictors because those drops can leave deposits and create a film on your lenses.