10 best contact lenses for dry eyes 2023 (2023)

Bausch & Lomb's ULTRA lenses meet two main criteria, making them our top pick overall. They're made of silicone hydrogel, which not only keeps your eyes moist but also lets more oxygen through than other materials. These lenses have a high water content so they last all day (which means your eyes won't get dry no matter how long your workday is).

As if that wasn't enough, ULTRA lenses also accommodate our increasingly digitized world: According to Bausch & Lomb, when looking at a screen, you tend to blink less, which dries out your eyes. With ULTRA lenses, however, less flicker is not a problem; When you're at your laptop, phone, or tablet all day, your lenses keep your eyes hydrated.

Price at time of publication: $67 for 6-pack

CooperVision Biofinity contact lenses are also made with silicone hydrogel and are rich in moisture and moisturebreathability

"Silicone hydrogel technology improves a contact's gas permeability, and its low water content doesn't dehydrate like older materials," he says.Steve Menzel, OD, at Clarkson Eyecare. "[It] also doesn't require the same amount of water as older materials, so it doesn't pull as much water out of an already dry eye."

These contact lenses are self-lubricating instead of pulling moisture out of your eyes. Combined with their high oxygen permeability and affordable cost, we think you'll be returning to these comfortable, great-value favorites month after month.

Price at time of publication: $56 for 6-pack

If you find that your eyes rarely take a screen break between work and life, try CooperVision Biofinity Energys for maximum screen comfort.

presentationdigital Zone Optics, Biofinity Energys combats digital eye strain in three distinct ways: relieving eye strain, making it easier to move from screen to screen (and vice versa), and reducing eye muscle strain. Additionally, Biofinity Energys are made with just the right percentage of water and silicone hydrogel, making them moisture-locking and breathable for those prone to screen-related dryness.

Price at time of publication: $60 for 6-pack

Most eye doctors will tell you that wearing daily lenses is one of the easiest ways to reduce dryness and irritation. Getting a new, clean lens every day means you don't have to deal with dirt or debris built up the previous day.

Alcon Dailies Total1 lenses are a cost-effective option for those who want to wear disposable lenses every day, but we've chosen them as our preferred everyday option because they take it a step further when it comes to comfort. Even if you change your lenses every day, Total1 lenses are designed to promote the health of your natural tear film by encouraging your eyes to hydrate themselves. The only downside is the lack of lenses for people with special eye problems like astigmatism.

Price at time of publication: $115 per pack of 90

If your eyes are sensitive to changes in light from day to night or from one screen to another, don't ignore the warning signs. Acuvue OASYS transitional lenses are designed to adapt to all the light changes we face every day, be it screen-induced blue light stress, glare from the sun during the day, or common disturbances that appear at night like halos and spots.

These transitional lenses respond to changes in light and darkness within 90 seconds and can block up to 15% of blue light when used on a screen or device. Remember that you must wear sunglasses even outdoors, as the UV protection provided by these lenses only applies to the parts of your eyes covered by the lenses.

Price at time of publication: $62 for 6-pack

Weekly disposable contacts are another great option for people with dry eyes who want new contacts more than once a month but don't want to shell out extra money for travel. Clerio Vision's Extreme H2O lenses have an impressive water content and excellent breathability for a comfortable fit all week long.

The lenses can be worn for one to two weeks before being thrown away. Its 54% water content is perfect for dry eye users. The lens is also compatible with users with astigmatism, so don't worry if you need a more professional fit.

Price at time of publication: $40 for 6-pack

Did you know that you can also wear contact lenses with multifocal prescription? May! Alcon Air Optix Aqua multifocal lenses make these focus transitions a breeze, meeting a variety of vision needs while combating dryness. Not to mention, Air Optix multifocal lenses can switch between powers seamlessly, so they're great if you're near or far-sighted.

With a water content of 33%, it not only makes your lenses wet, but also helps prevent annoying residue on your lenses.

Price at time of publication: $100 for 6-pack

people with astigmatismYou may have more difficulty finding comfortable contact lenses because this condition (characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea, or lens of the eye) can cause problems with near and far vision. Fortunately, however, it's not impossible.

"All major US contact lens manufacturers produce daily, biweekly, and monthly disposable soft lenses that correct astigmatism for the vast majority of 'astigmatists,'" says Dr. Berman.

We like the Acuvue OASYS lenses, which are designed for astigmatism because they have a 38% solids content, Hydraclear Plus technology for a comfortable feel, and Stabilizer technology to prevent the lenses from becoming too light with movement move on the eye. normal eyes (a source of discomfort in regular contacts due to “astigmatism”).

Price at time of publication: $67 for 6-pack

People with dry, sensitive eyes (ie prone to redness, irritation and itching) should take extra care when choosing contact lenses. Alcon's AquaComfort Plus Dailies combine the best of many different worlds: an ultra-high 69% water content, blink-activated hydration and the ability to change your lenses every day to start fresh.

yes usuallyexperience a courageous feelingor do you tend to count down the minutes until you can remove your lenses, the daytime nature of these lenses combined with their extreme hydration could be the answer to all your delicate eye problems.

Price at time of publication: $80 per pack of 90

Whether it's for fun or function, sometimes you need a dependable colored contact lens that not only improves your vision, but doesn't irritate your eyes in the process.

Unfortunately, there aren't many colored contact lenses that target dry eyes, but it's not all bad. The Alcon Air Optix line offers a tinted lens option with 33% water content and silicone hydrogel for added breathability. While you still can't rock those emerald green or lavender eyes all day, Air Optix shades are probably your most comfortable and colorful choice.

Price at time of publication: $45 for 2-pack

final verdict

we opted for themBausch & Lomb ULTRA contact lensesdue to its longer shelf life and 46% water content. It is a quality contact lens for dry eyes at a good price. But if you're looking for temporary contact lenses with 97% moisture retention and one of the highest percentages of water content, you should think twiceClerio Vision Extreme H2O soft contact lenses.

frequently asked questions

• Can you use eye drops while wearing contact lenses for dry eyes?

  The eye drops can be used with contact lenses, but be careful not to use the eye dropsDesigned for use with contacts. There are also benefits to using eye drops to treat dry eye as they can repair dry eyetear film layeraround your eye

  "The tear film that lubricates the cornea is made up of three layers: a lipid layer, a mucous layer, and a water layer," explains Dr. Shedlo. “A disruption in any of these three layers leads to tear film disruption and dry eye symptoms. That's why lubricating eye drops are the first treatment most doctors recommend for dry eyes."

  If you're unsure whether a brand of eye drop will work with your contact lenses, check the manufacturer's label (yes, even the fine print!) or talk to an eye doctor. For most products, the recommended use and possible warnings that you should be aware of when using the product are made very clear.

• Are disposable contact lenses better for dry eyes?

  Daily disposable lenses are especially helpful if you have trouble cleaning and disinfecting your reusable lenses regularly, but the added expense of wearing new lenses every day can quickly add up.

  "The biggest problem with traditional reusable contact lenses is lens debris," says Eubanks. “To take care of these deposits, conventional soft contact lenses must be cleaned and disinfected daily. This cleaning process requires high compliance and a high percentage of patients do not perform this process correctly.”

  Changing your contact lenses every day eliminates the need to clean them after each use, meaning your eyes are at less risk of infection or the condition that can lead to dry eyes.

• How often should you change your contact lenses if you have dry eyes?

  It's best to follow the manufacturer's replacement schedule and not wear your contact lenses longer than recommended. However, if you find that your contact lenses are causing eye irritation or making your dry eye symptoms worse, consider replacing them with new lenses more frequently.

  "If you have dry eyes and are comfortable wearing contact lenses, there's no reason to change them more often than the manufacturer recommends," says Dr. Shedlo. "If contact lenses are not very comfortable, you should reduce the wearing time and remove the lenses."

  Many of the contact lenses on this list are also not recommended for overnight wear, so remove them regularly and don't wear them longer than recommended.