What is an essential counseling point for contact lens wearers when using preserved ocular drops?

• A. Wear lenses while applying the drops.
• B. Use preservative-containing solution to soak lenses afterward.
• C. Remove contact lenses before instillation and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
• D. Reinsert lenses immediately after instillation.

Answer: (C)

Preserved ocular drops can interact with contact lenses because the preservative can bind to or irritate the lens material and the surrounding tear film. Removing the lenses before applying the drops prevents the preservative from soaking into the lens, helping protect both the lens and the ocular surface and ensuring the medication works on the eye rather than being absorbed by the lens.

Waiting at least 15 minutes after instillation gives time for the drop to distribute, for tears to dilute and wash away residual preservative, and for the eye to recover before the lenses go back in. This minimizes irritation, lens staining, and potential interference with proper drug delivery when you reinsert the lenses.