Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
Dryness is one of the most common reasons people struggle with contact lenses. Eyes can feel gritty, tired or uncomfortable, especially towards the end of the day, in air-conditioned rooms, or after long periods of screen use. The good news is that lens material, design and replacement schedule all play a big part in how comfortable lenses feel.
Lenses that retain moisture well, allow more oxygen to reach the eye, and are replaced more frequently tend to perform better for dry eyes. Daily disposables are often the first recommendation because you start each day with a fresh, clean lens and avoid the build-up of deposits that can make dryness worse. However, some people prefer the value of reusable lenses and find that newer weekly, two-weekly, or monthly designs with advanced wetting technology still keep them comfortable throughout the wearing period.
Our Optometrists’ Advice
If your eyes regularly feel dry or uncomfortable in contact lenses, it's worth discussing this with your optometrist. They can check for underlying causes, assess your tear film, and recommend the most suitable lens material and replacement schedule for your eyes. In many cases, a change of lens type makes a noticeable difference, but professional advice is the best starting point.
John Dreyer BSc (Hons), MCOptom, DipCL
Optometrist & Clinical Content Reviewer
Who these lenses are for
- People who experience dryness, grittiness or end-of-day discomfort
- Those who work in air-conditioned or heated environments
- Wearers who spend long hours on digital screens
- Anyone whose current lenses feel less comfortable as the day (or the wearing cycle) progresses
What to look for in Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
When choosing lenses for dry eyes, the aim is to keep the lens surface moist and reduce friction. Silicone hydrogel materials generally allow more oxygen through to the eye than traditional hydrogel lenses, which supports comfort during longer wear. Daily disposables remove the risk of deposit build-up, while some newer weekly, two-weekly, and monthly lenses use sustained moisture technologies that help comfort last longer into the wearing cycle.
Recommended Contact Lens Options for Dry Eyes
Daily Disposables
- Crystal Aqua Daily – Our own-brand daily lens with a hyaluronic moisturising agent. A strong choice if you want good comfort for dry eyes at a more accessible price.
- Dailies Total 1 – Premium water-gradient lens. The surface is designed to stay highly moist, making it one of the most popular options for dryness.
- Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe – Uses tear-inspired technology that supports moisture, particularly useful for screen use and long days.
- MyDay Daily Disposable – Breathable silicone hydrogel daily lens offering a good balance of comfort and convenience.
- Precision 1 – Features SMARTSURFACE technology to help maintain moisture on the lens surface.
Weekly / Two-weekly options
- Precision 7 – Weekly lens with sustained moisture release technology, designed to keep comfort consistent from day 1 to day 7. Useful if daily lenses feel too expensive but monthly lenses lose comfort towards the end of the month.
- Acuvue Oasys – Two-weekly silicone hydrogel lens known for moisture retention and comfort.
Monthly options
- Biofinity – Silicone hydrogel monthly lens with Aquaform technology that helps retain moisture while allowing high oxygen flow.
- Air Optix plus HydraGlyde – Monthly lens with HydraGlyde moisture technology, designed to support comfort throughout the month.
FAQs
Why do my contact lenses feel worse later in the day?
As the day goes on, the tear film can become less stable and deposits can build up on the lens surface. This combination often leads to dryness and reduced comfort in the afternoon or evening.
Are daily lenses better for long days than monthly lenses?
Daily lenses are frequently recommended for long wearing times because you start each day with a clean, moist lens. Some modern weekly and monthly lenses with advanced wetting systems can also work well for people who prefer reusable options.
How many hours can I safely wear contact lenses?
This depends on the lens type, your eyes and your optometrist’s advice. Many modern silicone hydrogel lenses are comfortable for 12–16 hours, but you should never exceed the wearing time recommended for your specific lenses.
Can I sleep in lenses designed for long days?
Only if the lenses are specifically approved for overnight or extended wear and your optometrist has recommended this. Most daily and standard monthly lenses should be removed before sleeping.
Will rewetting drops help with late-day discomfort?
They can provide useful temporary relief. Choose drops that are compatible with contact lenses and preferably preservative-free. Your optometrist can advise on the most suitable products.
