Nobody enjoys having dry eyes, and if you’ve experienced them, you’ll know just how irritating and uncomfortable they can be. According to a 2023 study by Aston University in the UK, approximately one third of British adults have experienced dry eye syndrome — a finding consistent with similar studies conducted globally.
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes fail to produce sufficient moisture or tears. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including extended screen time, seasonal allergies, or simply as a natural side effect of ageing. Another common contributing factor is prolonged contact lens wear, or using lenses that don’t allow enough moisture to circulate around the eye.
To help you avoid that uncomfortable dilemma, we’ve put together a list of the best contact lenses to keep your eyes perfectly hydrated — so you can finally say goodbye to dry eyes.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
Dry eye symptoms typically affect both eyes and can include:
- Redness
- Itchiness or a gritty sensation
- Watery eyes as a response to the dryness
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Mucus on the eyelid or around the eye
- A feeling of something like ‘dust’ or ‘sand’ in the eye
- Blurred vision
The best contact lenses for dry eye syndrome
Oxygen permeability and moisture retention are key to keeping your eyes comfortable, which means silicone hydrogel lenses are generally the best choice for dry eye sufferers. Lenses enhanced with technologies that work in harmony with the eye’s natural tear film tend to perform better, based on our findings when reviewing dry eye users.
Depending on the type of lens you usually wear, our Lenstore optician Roshni Patel BSc (registered and a member of the College of Optometrists) recommends the following lenses for wearers who experience dry eye problems.
Best daily contact lenses for dry eyes
ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day
Say goodbye to dry eyes and get the most out of every day with the cutting-edge ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lenses from Johnson & Johnson. These exceptional silicone hydrogel lenses keep your eyes feeling consistently fresh throughout the day. TearStable technology stabilises the tear film by continuously circulating moisture across the entire surface of the lens, delivering an evaporation rate twice as low as comparable lenses — helping to tackle the root causes of dry eye syndrome.
Best monthly contact lenses for dry eyes
Total30
Wearers say these lenses feel like wearing nothing at all — even on day 30. That makes them an excellent monthly option for those prone to dry eyes. With exclusive Water Gradient material, Total30 lenses deliver a surface water content of nearly 100%, providing outstanding all-day hydration. With just a gentle cushion of moisture in contact with the eye, irritation becomes a thing of the past.
Best two-weekly contact lenses for dry eyes
ACUVUE OASYS
These popular two-weekly lenses offer 38% water content thanks to an exclusive wetting agent that reduces dryness by mimicking the eye’s own tear film to keep it hydrated. It also helps stabilise the tear film for added all-day comfort. Two-weekly wearers who need a lens that corrects presbyopia can opt for ACUVUE OASYS multifocal lenses, which feature the same Hydraclear technology for exceptional comfort throughout the day.
Best toric contact lenses for dry eyes
Daily option: ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day for Astigmatism
ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day for Astigmatism lenses are made from Senofilcon A, a highly breathable silicone hydrogel that allows excellent oxygen flow to the eye, keeping lenses comfortable to wear and eyes healthy. They also feature ACUVUE’s patented HydraLuxe technology, which integrates with your tear film for lasting natural relief from the irritation of dry eyes.
Monthly option: Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism is an excellent choice for contact lens wearers who need astigmatism correction alongside relief from dry eye discomfort. ALCON’s HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology forms a copolymer that surrounds the lens with a moisture envelope and a unique hydrophilic barrier, reducing friction during wear and providing extra hydration throughout the day. Available in packs of 3 and 6 lenses.
Best multifocal contact lenses for dry eyes
Daily option: Dailies Total 1 Multifocal
The combination of SmartTears technology and water gradient material in Dailies Total 1 Multifocal lenses creates a cushion of moisture that delivers high-level hydration. Suitable for presbyopic wearers, these lenses not only help you see clearly at any distance, but their nearly 100% surface water content keeps them clean and comfortable, ready to combat dry eye symptoms throughout the day.
Monthly option: Bausch + Lomb Ultra Presbyopia
Extended screen time disrupts our natural blinking patterns, which can contribute to dry eyes. Give your eyes a digital detox with Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia lenses, which tackle dehydration with MoistureSeal technology. This exclusive moisture-lock technology maintains 95% surface moisture on the lens to deliver a fresh, comfortable feel for up to 16 hours. Available in packs of 3 and 6 lenses.
Best budget contact lenses for dry eyes
Biofinity
For those with only mild dry eye symptoms who don’t want to spend a lot on high-spec lenses, CooperVision’s Biofinity monthly lenses are a solid option. With Aquaform® technology combining natural hydrophilic properties with high oxygen transmissibility, the Biofinity family of lenses is highly regarded for its added comfort and breathability.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
An eye care professional can typically diagnose dry eye by discussing your symptoms and circumstances. They may ask you several questions to determine the severity, as dry eye can sometimes indicate an underlying condition.
During an eye examination, your optician may use a fluorescent yellow-orange dye, which helps them see your tears more clearly. This allows them to calculate how long your eyes take to dry out and whether that rate is within the normal range. If there is any eye damage, the dye can highlight the affected areas.
During a contact lens check-up, if your optician notices that your lenses don’t fit well or are worsening your dry eye symptoms, they may recommend a better-fitting lens or one with greater breathability to reduce eye irritation.
If you’re looking for new lenses to give your eyes the dry eye relief they need, explore our wide range at Lenstore and give your eyes the comfort they deserve.