Can i use contact lens solution instead of those costly drops for dry eyes?

Sometimes: Contact lens wetting solutions are designed to coat the lens and allow re-insertion of the lens into the eye. To that extent they can substitute for over the counter lubricating drops. Do not use cleaners this way. You could save some $$$ but there is a risk of contamination and also it is inconvenient as the contact lens bottles are not dropper bottles. Proceed with caution.

Not recommended: Contact lens solution is not formulated for this purpose. If you want to decrease costs, buy the generic lubricant eye drops.