Best contact lenses for dry eyes

Some people cry during sappy movies, and others cry simply because their eyes are dry (how's that for irony?). If your eyes often feel like you crawled through the desert in 100-mile-per-hour winds, you're not alone. Dry eyes are surprisingly common, so many people have eyes that feel scratchy or gritty. That's why it's so important to find the best contact lenses for dry eyes.

Some contacts contribute to dry eye by absorbing moisture, blocking oxygen, or disrupting your natural tear coating (the layer of liquid that covers the eye's surface). Not giving your eyes time to rest and wearing the wrong contacts for your needs can also contribute to dryness.

News flash: Many contacts are made with moisture-boosting technology, making them ideal for users who struggle with dryness and irritation. Here are several lenses to try if you're dying to know how to stop getting dry eyes with contacts:

• ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe

• ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism

• 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST

• AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde

• DAILIES AquaComfort Plus

• AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism

Why some contact lenses are better for dry eyes

If contacts make your eyes feel drier than Death Valley, materials and moisture are usually to blame. The good news is that lens manufacturers have figured out how to increase moisture without affecting lens shape or comfort.

Some lenses are better for dry eyes because they come with hydration technology. No, they can't take you to the moon or turn your car into a flying vehicle, but they can prevent dryness and discomfort. These lenses may:

• Mimic your natural tears

• Allow more oxygen to pass through to the corneas

• Create a smoother surface

• Lock in moisture

But why does this matter? Because your eyes, divas that they are, need oxygen. The corneas have no blood vessels, so they have to get oxygen directly from tears. Otherwise, you can develop blurry vision or eye discomfort. Oxygen also prevents infections and helps the retinas process light.

High-tech hydration systems prevent contacts from drying out as you blink, so they're ideal for users battling dryness. Overall, less irritation leads to healthier, happier eyes.

What are the best contact lenses for dry eyes?

The best contacts for dry eyes depend on you: your vision needs, your preferences, and your budget. If you've never worn contacts before, it's important to get a professional eye exam before you pick out a pair of lenses. Your eye care professional can let you know if you have astigmatism (an abnormal curvature of the lens or cornea) or another vision condition that requires specialty lenses.

So, what are the best contact lenses for dry eyes? Here are a few recommended options.

ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe

Who doesn't love a little luxury in their lives? Treat yourself like the king or queen you are with ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe contacts. HydraLuxe technology helps each lens integrate with your eye's natural tear film.

ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism

Astigmatism plus dry eyes equals double the fun (just kidding!). Astigmatism can cause blurry or distorted vision, so it's important to find the right contacts. Enter ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism. They have Hydraclear Plus technology, which locks moisture right into the lens for all-day comfort. ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism lenses also have a smooth surface for comfortable blinking.

1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST

If a lack of moisture is the problem, 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST lenses might be the answer. LACREON technology embeds a wetting agent in each lens, giving you the moisture you need to tackle everything from creating a monthly budget to writing the next great American novel. Bonus: 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST contacts also offer UV protection, making them well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who happen to have dry eye.

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde

HydraGlyde helps attract and retain moisture on the surface of each lens. As a result, AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde lenses are a good fit for users with dry eye. These contacts are also made with silicone hydrogel, ensuring plenty of oxygen reaches your eyes.

Not to sound like an infomercial host, but...there's more! AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde lenses have a surface that resists protein buildup. This is ideal for taming dry eye because protein deposits can contribute to dryness.

DAILIES AquaComfort Plus

DAILIES AquaComfort Plus contacts release moisture every time you blink. Score! The triple-action moisture system increases comfort by delivering a smooth lens surface. DAILIES AquaComfort Plus lenses are daily disposables, so you don't even have to deal with cleaning them. Simply put in a new pair every morning and go about your day with confidence.

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism lenses give you the best of both worlds: a toric lens combined with HydraGlyde technology to boost moisture. Toric lenses have a special shape to correct the abnormal curvature of astigmatism. AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts also have SmartShield technology to prevent protein deposits from forming.

How to stop getting dry eyes with contacts

Once you have a shiny new pair of dry-eye contact lenses, there are a few other things you can do to prevent dryness:

• Follow the replacement schedule. Wearing the same pair of lenses for longer than recommended can increase dryness and irritation. If you choose daily lenses, don't wear them for 3 days. Same thing with monthlies...you shouldn't be wearing them for 6 or 8 weeks.

• Avoid sleeping in lenses. Unless your lenses are designed for overnight wear, just say no to falling asleep without removing them. Keeping contacts in all night reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes.

• Limit wear time. If dryness persists, try removing your contacts when you get home from work or school. Wearing glasses in the evening gives your eyes a break.

• See an eye care professional regularly. In some people, dry eye occurs due to a medical condition. Working with an eye care professional can help you narrow down the cause of your irritation.

What is the 20-20-20 rule for contacts?

It's great that we can binge-watch Netflix shows and read digital books, but all that screen time wreaks havoc on the eyes. Following the 20-20-20 rule can help. Every 20 minutes, look at something that's 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds. These short breaks give you time to blink, which distributes tears and relaxes your eyes.

What do optometrists recommend for dry eyes?

When tackling dry eye, optometrists typically take a multifaceted approach. Your eye care professional may have you:

• Wear the correct lenses.

• Stick to your lens manufacturer's recommended wear schedule.

• Consider daily disposables if extended-wear lenses continue to cause dryness.

• Use lubricating eye drops.

• Take regular screen breaks.

• Have regular eye exams.

• Address underlying medical conditions, if needed.

Once you have a new lens prescription in hand, 1-800 Contacts can deliver your preferred brand to your doorstep. Order online to give your eyes the moisture they deserve.

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!

Original publish date: 3/14/2024

Updated date: 4/22/2026