Best Rewetting Drops for Contact Lenses with 5 Top Picks

Oh, the joy of contact lenses! Clear vision without glasses, especially handy for sports or just rocking your favorite sunglasses. But let’s be real, there’s nothing worse than that mid-day dryness, the irritating feeling that makes you want to rip your lenses out. I’ve been there countless times, squinting at my screen or feeling that gritty sensation, constantly thinking, “There has to be a better way to keep my contacts comfortable.” That’s when I really started diving into the world of rewetting drops for contact lenses. It’s not just about adding moisture; it’s about finding the right formula that works with your specific lenses and your unique eye needs. After trying out what felt like every bottle on the shelf, I’ve narrowed down the field to five top contenders. In this guide, I’ll share my hands-on experience and insights to help you find the best rewetting drops for contact lenses that will keep your eyes feeling fresh and your vision clear, all day long.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	BLINK-N-Clean Lens Drops, Rewetting Drops for Contact…	View on Amazon
	Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops, 12-mL	View on Amazon
	Boston Rewetting Drops for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact…	View on Amazon
	Renu Lubricant Eye Drops, Rewetting Drops for Contact…	View on Amazon
	Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens…	View on Amazon

1. BLINK-N-Clean Lens Drops, Rewetting Drops for Contact…

These drops really stand out because they do more than just moisturize; they actively clean your lenses while you wear them. I found this incredibly useful on days where I felt a slight film developing or just a general sense of grittiness. The dual cleansing formula works gently to remove protein and other build-up that can accumulate on your contacts throughout the day, which often causes irritation. It’s like a mini spa treatment for your lenses, right in your eyes! I loved the convenience of on-the-go cleaning, meaning I didn’t have to remove my lenses to get that fresh feeling. Plus, the fact that they work for all lens types—soft or rigid gas permeable—makes them super versatile.

Key Features:
– Relief with Every Blink: Gently removes build-up and moisturizes as you wear.
– Clean & Moisturize: Dual cleansing formula for in-eye contact lens cleaning.
– On-the-Go Cleaning: Conveniently cleans lenses without removal.
– Works for All Lenses: Suitable for both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses.
– Trusted Brand: Part of the Blink family known for eye care needs.

Pros:
– Provides active cleaning, removing protein and other deposits.
– Offers instant relief and a fresh feeling.
– Versatile, safe for both soft and RGP lenses.
– Convenient for in-eye use, no need to remove contacts.

Cons:
– Might be considered slightly more expensive than basic rewetting drops.
– Some users might not need the cleaning aspect daily.

Best for: Contact lens wearers (soft or RGP) who experience protein build-up, feel grittiness, or want the added benefit of in-eye cleaning throughout the day.

User feedback summary: Users frequently praise its ability to refresh and clean lenses, making them feel like new, especially after long wear times. Many note it significantly reduces mid-day irritation.

2. Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops, 12-mL

Opti-Free Puremoist drops are a go-to for many of my friends, and I can see why. They deliver a noticeable refreshing burst of moisture that instantly makes dry, tired eyes feel better. What I particularly appreciate is their claim to help remove particles that cause irritation and prevent deposit build-up. While not an active cleaner like Blink-N-Clean, this preventative measure is a huge plus for maintaining comfort. These drops are specifically formulated for all Silicone Hydrogel and other Soft Contact Lenses, so if that’s what you wear, you know you’re getting a product designed for your lens material. I found them particularly effective for those moments when my eyes just needed a quick “wake up” call.

Key Features:
– Refreshing burst of moisture for added comfort.
– Removes particles that cause irritation.
– Helps prevent deposit build-up on lenses.
– For use with all Silicone Hydrogel and other Soft Contact Lenses.

Pros:
– Provides quick, effective moisture.
– Helps keep lenses clear by preventing deposit accumulation.
– Specifically formulated for popular soft lens materials.
– Convenient size for portability.

Cons:
– Not suitable for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
– Focuses more on moisture and prevention rather than active cleaning.

Best for: Soft and silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers seeking an instant boost of moisture and help in preventing everyday deposit build-up.

User feedback summary: Many users report these drops as essential for comfortable, extended wear of their soft contact lenses, highlighting their immediate hydrating effect.

3. Boston Rewetting Drops for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact…

This is a niche product, but an incredibly important one for those who need it! If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, your needs are quite different from soft lens wearers, and Boston understands that. These drops are specifically designed to coat the lens surface and restore your natural tear layer, which is crucial for RGP comfort. I’ve heard from RGP wearers that these drops are essential for preventing that “lens awareness” feeling and allowing for longer, more comfortable wearing time. Boston is also the #1 eye doctor recommended brand for RGP solutions, which instills a lot of confidence. It’s an exclusive, patented, sterile formula tailored precisely for the unique surface of RGP lenses.

Key Features:
– Specifically formulated for rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
– Coats the lens surface and restores the natural tear layer.
– From the #1 eye doctor recommended brand for RGP solutions.
– Allows for longer, more comfortable wearing time.
– Exclusive, patented, sterile formula.

Pros:
– Optimized specifically for RGP lenses, maximizing their comfort.
– Extends wear time and reduces irritation for RGP users.
– Highly recommended by eye care professionals for RGP.
– Effectively re-wets the unique surface of RGP lenses.

Cons:
– Only for RGP lenses – absolutely not for soft contacts.
– May not be as widely available as general-purpose drops.

Best for: Individuals who exclusively wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses and require a specialized solution for optimal comfort and extended wear.

User feedback summary: RGP wearers consistently praise these drops for significantly improving comfort and extending the time they can comfortably wear their lenses throughout the day.

4. Renu Lubricant Eye Drops, Rewetting Drops for Contact…

Renu Lubricant Eye Drops are a solid, no-frills option that gets the job done when your eyes just need a little extra moisture. They are designed for extended wear, frequent replacement, and disposable soft contact lenses, covering a broad spectrum of soft lens users. I found them to be a gentle and effective sterile, isotonic solution that truly soothes and moisturizes eyes for greater comfort. If you’re looking for a reliable, straightforward rewetting drop that hydrates your lenses and eyes without any fancy additives, Renu is a great choice. It’s a trusted name in contact lens care, and for good reason—they deliver consistent, basic lubrication.

Key Features:
– For extended wear, frequent replacement, and disposable soft contact lenses.
– Sterile, isotonic solution.
– Soothes and moisturizes eyes for greater comfort.
– Backed by 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Pros:
– Provides straightforward, effective lubrication.
– Gentle and soothing for tired eyes.
– Suitable for various types of soft contact lenses.
– Reliable and from a well-known brand.

Cons:
– Not designed for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
– Does not offer active cleaning or specific deposit prevention.

Best for: Soft contact lens wearers (especially extended wear or disposable) who need basic, reliable, and soothing moisture to alleviate general dryness.

User feedback summary: Users appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of these drops for everyday dryness, finding them a dependable solution for keeping soft lenses comfortable.

5. Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Contact Lens…

Refresh Contacts are a popular choice, and for good reason. They’re like that versatile friend who’s good at everything. This original strength formula is fantastic for relieving mild symptoms of eye dryness due to contact lens wear, instantly moisturizing and lubricating. What makes them incredibly convenient is that you may keep your contacts in upon application, which is a huge time-saver. Beyond soft lenses, they can also be used to lubricate and rewet specific types of rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, making them one of the most versatile options on this list. It’s no surprise that Refresh is a doctor recommended family of products with over 30 years of experience.

Key Features:
– Original strength formula for mild dryness relief.
– Instantly moisturizes and lubricates.
– Can be applied while contacts are still in your eyes.
– Compatible with both soft and specific rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
– Doctor recommended brand with extensive experience.

Pros:
– Highly versatile, suitable for soft and certain RGP lenses.
– Provides instant relief and lubrication.
– Convenient; no need to remove lenses for application.
– Widely available and trusted by eye care professionals.

Cons:
– Might not be sufficient for severe dry eye conditions.
– RGP compatibility may require checking with your eye care practitioner for specific lens types.

Best for: General contact lens wearers (soft or specific RGP types) experiencing mild to moderate dryness, seeking instant relief, and valuing versatility and a doctor-recommended brand.

User feedback summary: Users frequently hail these as their “everyday hero” drops, offering quick, consistent relief and being a staple for maintaining comfort throughout the day.

Helpful Comparison Insights

Choosing the best rewetting drops for contact lenses really boils down to your specific lens type and what kind of discomfort you’re experiencing.

If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, your choice is pretty clear-cut: Boston Rewetting Drops are tailor-made for your specific lens material and are widely recommended by professionals. While Refresh Contacts can also work for certain RGP types, always consult your eye care practitioner to confirm compatibility.

For those of us with soft or silicone hydrogel lenses, the field is a bit wider. If your main issue is that annoying protein or deposit build-up that makes your lenses feel gritty, Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops are unique because they offer in-eye cleaning while they moisturize. This dual action is a significant advantage.

If you’re looking for a quick burst of moisture and help preventing deposits on your soft lenses, Opti-Free Puremoist Rewetting Drops are an excellent choice. They offer immediate refreshment and support lens hygiene.

For simple, soothing lubrication without any added cleaning features, Renu Lubricant Eye Drops are a reliable option for all types of soft and extended wear lenses. They’re a great workhorse for general dryness relief.

Finally, for the most versatile option that handles mild dryness, works with lenses in, and is compatible with both soft and some RGP lenses, Refresh Contacts is hard to beat. It’s a fantastic all-rounder if you’re not dealing with heavy deposits or specialized RGP needs.

Think about active cleaning vs. pure lubrication. Blink-N-Clean offers active cleaning, whereas the others focus on adding moisture and lubrication. If you suspect build-up is your primary problem, the cleaning action might be very beneficial.

Final Verdict

Alright, so if I had to choose just one for general soft lens daily dryness, I’d probably grab Refresh Contacts first. Its versatility, ease of use (no need to remove lenses!), and instant relief make it a fantastic everyday companion. However, if my eyes were feeling particularly gritty or cloudy from a day of wear, I’d absolutely reach for Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops for that unique in-eye cleaning action. It truly makes a difference when protein build-up is the culprit. And for anyone sporting rigid gas permeable lenses, there’s really no question – Boston Rewetting Drops are the specialized solution you need to maintain comfort. Ultimately, the best rewetting drops for contact lenses for you will align perfectly with your lens type and your most common source of discomfort.

FAQ Section

Q1: How often should I use rewetting drops for my contact lenses?
A: You can use rewetting drops for contact lenses as often as needed throughout the day, whenever your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable. Most drops are safe for frequent use, but always follow the specific instructions on the product label or consult your eye care professional.

Q2: Can I use regular eye drops with my contact lenses?
A: No, it’s generally not recommended to use regular eye drops (those not specifically labeled for contact lenses) while wearing contacts. Many regular eye drops contain ingredients that can interact negatively with contact lens materials, causing irritation, discoloration, or even damaging the lenses. Always look for drops clearly labeled as “rewetting drops for contact lenses” or “lubricant eye drops for contacts.”

Q3: What’s the difference between rewetting drops and saline solution?
A: Saline solution is primarily used for rinsing lenses, especially after cleaning, or for storing lenses temporarily. It’s a sterile, pH-balanced saltwater solution. Rewetting drops for contact lenses, on the other hand, contain lubricating agents designed to moisturize the eye and the lens surface while the lens is being worn, providing comfort and reducing dryness.

Q4: Are there preservative-free rewetting drops for sensitive eyes?
A: Yes, many brands offer preservative-free rewetting drops for contact lenses, which are often recommended for individuals with very sensitive eyes or those who experience irritation from preservatives. Always check the packaging for “preservative-free” labeling.

Q5: Can rewetting drops clean my lenses?
A: Most rewetting drops are designed for lubrication and moisture, not deep cleaning. However, certain drops like BLINK-N-Clean Lens Drops do offer a dual cleansing formula that helps gently remove protein and debris while you wear your lenses. For thorough cleaning, you’ll still need a dedicated contact lens cleaning solution.

Q6: Do rewetting drops expire?
A: Yes, all eye drops, including rewetting drops for contact lenses, have an expiration date printed on the bottle and/or packaging. It’s crucial to discard them after this date, and often even sooner (e.g., 30-90 days) after opening, as sterility can be compromised. Using expired drops can lead to eye irritation or infection.

Q7: How do I choose the best rewetting drops for my contact lenses?
A: To choose the best rewetting drops for contact lenses, consider:
1. Your lens type: Soft, silicone hydrogel, or RGP lenses have different needs.
2. Your specific discomfort: Is it general dryness, grittiness from deposits, or irritation?
3. Frequency of use: Do you need something for occasional dryness or constant relief?
4. Preservative sensitivity: If you have sensitive eyes, opt for preservative-free.
5. Doctor’s recommendation: Always a good idea to consult your eye care professional for personalized advice.