Direct Application of Systane Complete to Contact Lenses

A common first line treatment for patients with dryness symptoms or contact lens discomfort is the application of artificial tears or rewetting drops, respectively. Rewetting drops are specifically formulated for use with contact lenses while artificial tears are indicated for dry eye. Modern rewetting drops and artificial tears have similar formulations with similar preservatives, preservatives that have been shown to be compatible with contact lenses. While rewetting drops and artificial tears are regulated under different U.S. Food \& Drug Administration policies, artificial tears are not specifically indicated for direct use with contact lenses. Nevertheless, clinicians commonly prescribe artificial tears to contact lens wearers likely because newer formulations of artificial tear have the potential to outperform available rewetting drops. The safety and efficacy of using artificial tears with contact lenses for the treatment of discomfort is supported by Caffery and Josephson and Ozkan and Papas who found that artificial tears significantly reduces dryness symptoms in contact lens wearers. Thus, the purpose of this study is to test the safety of directly applying a new artificial tear, Systane Complete, to the contact lens wearing eye and its ability to alleviate symptoms while wearing contact lenses during the day.