Therapeutic contact lenses and eyedrops--is there a problem?

Numerous authors have investigated the interactions of contact lenses with their care solutions. Many reported hypersensitivity and toxicity reactions induced by the preservative in the care solution, especially with soft contact lenses. In medical contact lens practice the concurrent use of eyedrops in a patient wearing therapeutic contact lenses is a contentious issue. The usual practice is to prescribe unpreserved drops. In reviewing the literature, we found no evidence of complications using preserved eyedrops with such contact lenses in situ. The reluctance to prescribe preserved topical medication could stem from the evidence relating to contact lens care solutions.