Best Contacts for Dry Eyes

One of the most common things people mention during an eye exam is that their contact lenses start to feel dry by the end of the day.

That doesn’t necessarily mean contact lenses don’t work for you. Most of the time, it just means that the lens you’re wearing may not be the best match. Your eye doctor can make a switch to a better brand for your situation.

Different contact lenses use different materials. Some hold moisture better, some allow more oxygen to reach the eye, etc.

When eye doctors recommend contact lenses for people with dry eyes, those are usually the factors they’re thinking about the most.

Here are some of the contact lenses that are commonly recommended when dryness is a concern.

Acuvue Oasys

Acuvue Oasys are bi-weekly lenses. The lens material allows more oxygen to reach the eye than other materials. This helps maintain a healthy tear film throughout the day.

A lot of patients also find that these lenses stay comfortable during long days on the computer, which is when dryness tends to show up the most.

Acuvue Oasys lenses also include built-in UV protection, which helps block some ultraviolet light from reaching the eye. That doesn’t replace sunglasses, but it’s a helpful extra feature.

Precision1 Daily Contacts

If dryness is a bigger issue, eye doctors often recommend daily disposable lenses.

Precision1 is a popular option because of how the lens surface is designed. The outer layer of the lens has a higher moisture content than the core, which helps keep the part touching your eye smooth and hydrated.

Because you start with a brand new pair every morning, you also avoid the buildup that can happen with reusable lenses. Over time, protein and debris can collect on reusable lenses and make them feel less comfortable.

Many people who struggle with dryness find daily lenses like Precision1 noticeably easier to wear all day.

Dailies Total1

Dailies Total1 is another lens that eye doctors frequently recommend for dry eyes.

The outer surface of the lens contains an extremely high water content. Patients often describe them as feeling almost like nothing is on the eye.

They are also daily disposable lenses.

Dailies Total1 tends to be a higher-priced option, but for people who have tried other lenses and still experience dryness, they can be worth discussing with your eye doctor.

Biofinity

Not everyone with dry eyes needs daily lenses.

Biofinity is a monthly lens that works well for many patients.

Biofinity lenses are known for maintaining moisture fairly well throughout the day, which is why they’re commonly prescribed for people who want a reusable monthly lens.

For patients with astigmatism, there is also Biofinity Toric, which provides the same material benefits while correcting astigmatism.

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day

Acuvue also makes a daily disposable version of Oasys.

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day combines many of the comfort features of the original Oasys lens with the convenience of a daily lens. For people with dry eyes, that combination can work really well.

Because the lens is replaced every day, there is less opportunity for deposits to build up on the surface of the lens. That often helps keep the lens feeling less dry later in the day.

These lenses are also designed to help maintain tear film stability, which can be helpful for people who spend long hours on screens.

Why Daily Lenses Often Help Dry Eyes

If dryness is the main concern, many eye doctors start by trying daily disposable lenses.

Even with good cleaning habits, reusable lenses slowly accumulate protein, oil, and environmental debris. Those deposits can make lenses feel dry or slightly rough on the eye.

A Quick Reminder About Contact Lens Prescriptions

Even if you see a specific lens recommended online, the final decision should always come from your eye doctor.

Contact lenses are medical devices, and your doctor looks at more than just your prescription strength when choosing a lens. Things like tear quality, corneal shape, and oxygen needs all play a role.

Two people with the same glasses prescription may still be prescribed completely different contact lenses.

If your eyes often feel dry in contacts, mentioning that at your next exam can help your doctor choose a lens that’s best for you.

Ordering Contact Lenses Online

Once you know which lenses work best for your eyes, reordering them online can make things much easier.

At Blue Planet Optics, you can upload your contact lens prescription, select the lenses your eye doctor prescribed, and have them delivered directly to your door.

Blue Planet Optics carries all of the lenses recommended for dry eyes:

• Acuvue Oasys
• Acuvue Oasys 1-Day
• Precision1
• Dailies Total1
• Biofinity
• Biofinity Toric

For every box of contact lenses sold at Blue Planet Optics, $1 is donated to eye care treatments through Sightsavers, helping expand access to vision care worldwide. Blue Planet Optics also runs an Upcycling Program that keeps contact lens packaging out of landfills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What contact lenses are best for dry eyes?

Many eye doctors recommend lenses that retain moisture for long periods and allow high oxygen flow to the cornea. Some commonly prescribed options include Acuvue Oasys, Precision1, Dailies Total1, Biofinity, and Acuvue Oasys 1-Day.

Are daily contacts better for dry eyes?

Daily disposable contact lenses are often recommended for dry eyes because you start with a fresh lens every day. This prevents protein deposits from building up on the lens surface, which can contribute to dryness.

Why do my contacts feel dry by the afternoon?

Dryness later in the day can happen for several reasons, including screen use, dry environments, or contact lens material. Some lenses retain moisture better than others, which is why switching lenses can often help.

Should I stop wearing contacts if my eyes feel dry?

Not necessarily. In many cases, dryness can be improved by switching to a different contact lens, using lubricating eye drops, or adjusting wearing time. Your eye doctor can help determine the best fix for you.