After using eye drops, how long should a patient wait before reinserting contact lenses?

After administering eye drops, it is advised that a patient should wait 5 to 10 minutes before reinserting contact lenses. This waiting period allows the eye drops to be adequately absorbed by the ocular surface while minimizing the chances of the drops being washed away or diluted by the lenses. If contact lenses are inserted too soon after instilling eye drops, there is a risk of the drops not having their intended effect or the lenses causing irritation due to trapping the medication against the eye.

Choosing a longer waiting time, such as 15 or 30 minutes, can be unnecessary unless specifically indicated by the type of eye drop used. For most over-the-counter or commonly prescribed eye drops, 5 to 10 minutes suffices for proper absorption and ensures comfort upon reinserting the lenses. This balance of timing optimizes both the efficacy of the eye drops and the comfort of lens wear for patients.