Can I Use Eye Drops With My Contact Lenses?

Yes. Certain eye drops can be used with contact lenses. Most over-the-counter eye drops are divided into three categories: “dry eye" eye drops, “get the red out” eye drops and “contact lens” eye drops.

• "Dry eye" eye drops:
  Dry eye drops come in a variety of formulations. Some are thicker than others and may actually cloud your vision or “gum up” your contact lenses. While some of them may be okay for use with contact lenses, they are designed to not only lubricate the eye, but to promote healing of the eye’s surface.


• “Get the red out” eye drops:
  "Get the red out" drops have special ingredients called vasoconstrictors. These drops shrink the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that coats the white part of your eye. These eye drops could cause deposits to form of the surface of your contact lenses and if used repetitively to re-wet your contact lenses, could cause “rebound” redness. Rebound redness occurs when the vasoconstrictor wears off. The blood vessels dilate larger, causing the eyes to appear bloodshot. This may cause dependency or mask underlying infections or inflammations.


• "Contact lens" eye drops:
  Contact lens eye drops are often called re-wetting drops. Re-wetting drops lubricate your eye and hydrate the contact lens, making your eyes more comfortable while wearing your contact lenses. Theses eye drops are labeled “For use with soft contact lenses,” and are usually located next to contact lens cleaning solutions in the store. Eye care professionals usually encourage frequent use of re-wetting drops, as it improves comfort and helps clear out debris underneath your contact lenses.

Talk to your eye doctor if you are taking any eye drops for medical eye problems, such as glaucoma. Ask your eye doctor for the best way to insert eye drops and whether or not contact lenses should be worn while taking your medication.

Bump on Eye-lid or Stye

Eyelid bump

Bump on the eyelid; Stye; Hordeolum; (IN HINDI : gulel)

 A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A stye is caused by bacteria from the skin that get into the oil glands in the eyelids that provide lubrication to the tear film.You may have more than one stye at the same time.

Styes usually develop over a few days and may drain and heal on their own. A stye can become a chalazion -- this is when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked. If a chalazion gets large enough, it can cause trouble with your vision.

Symptoms

In addition to the red, swollen bump, other possible symptoms include:

•    A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body

•    Sensitivity to light

•    Tearing of your eye

•    Tenderness of the eyelid

Signs and tests

A doctor can diagnose a stye just by looking at it. Special tests are usually not necessary.

Treatment

To treat eyelid bumps:

•    Styes can be treated by applying warm compresses. Apply for 10 minutes. Do this four times a day.

•    Do NOT attempt to squeeze a stye or any other type of eyelid bump. Let it drain on its own.

•    Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes. Some large styes need to be lanced to drain the infection.

Complications

•    Recurrence of a stye

•    Spread of infection to other eyelash follicles

•    Spread of infection to the tissue of the eyelid (eyelid cellulitis)

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

•    You have problems with your vision.

•    The eyelid bump worsens or does not improve within a week or two of self-care.

•    The eyelid bump or bumps become very large or painful.

•    You have a blister on your eyelid.

•    You have crusting or scaling of your eyelids.

•    Your whole eyelid is red, or the eye itself is red.

•    You are very sensitive to light or have excessive tears.

•    A stye comes back soon after successful treatment of another one.

•    Your eyelid bump bleeds.

Prevention

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the skin around your eye. If you are susceptible to styes, it may help to carefully clean off excess oils from the edges of your lids.