Dry eyes can do more than cause mild discomfort—they can disrupt your vision, reduce your quality of life, and make wearing contact lenses nearly impossible. You’re not alone if you’re searching for the best contacts for dry eyes or wondering whether your contact lenses are worsening your symptoms. Millions of people struggle with dry eye syndrome, and with modern treatments and lenses designed for sensitive eyes, relief is within reach.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from choosing the right lenses to lifestyle changes and advanced therapies like Lumenis IPL dry eye treatment. Whether you’re already a patient at Optical Solutions or just exploring your options, this guide will help you manage and understand your condition.
What Are the Best Contacts for Dry Eyes?
Contacts for dry eyes need to do more than correct your vision—they must also maintain moisture, reduce irritation, and support the eye’s natural tear film.
Dry eye syndrome interferes with the eye’s ability to produce enough tears or maintain proper tear stability. For contact lens wearers, this can lead to symptoms such as:
- Grittiness
- Burning or stinging
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling that something is in the eye
The right contact lenses can alleviate these symptoms by:
- Offering high moisture retention
- Supporting oxygen flow to the cornea
- Being made from materials less likely to dry out
Choosing the wrong contacts can worsen dryness. That’s why many optometrists recommend specific lenses tailored for dry eye patients.
Top-Rated Contacts for Dry Eyes in 2025
Based on recent studies and patient feedback, these are the most recommended contact lenses for dry eyes in 2025:
- Dailies Total1® – Water gradient lenses with high moisture at the surface, nearly 100% water content.
- Acuvue MAX 1 DAY – Designed for screen-heavy lifestyles, offers hydration and smooth blinking.
- Voyant 1 Day Premium ® – Affordable daily disposable lenses made of breathable silicone hydrogel.
Doctor-Recommended Lenses for Dry Eyes
Experts such as Dr. Michael A. Campbell. O.D. and Dr. Kevin P. Campbell, O.D., often recommend specific lenses for dry eye management. Top picks include:
- Dailies Total 1 AND Acuvue MAX 1-day for maximum surface moisture
- Acuvue Oasys with HydraLuxe for digital device users”
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Daily vs Monthly Contacts for Dry Eyes
Daily contacts for dry eyes are often preferred because they are:
- More hygienic—less buildup of allergens and deposits
- Moisture-rich straight out of the packaging
- Require no cleaning solutions (which may contain preservatives that irritate)
Monthly contacts, while cost-effective, may not be ideal for those with severe dry eye unless they are specifically designed for high moisture retention.
Pros of daily disposables:
- Better hygiene
- Less risk of infection or buildup
- More moisture throughout the day
Cons:
- More expensive in the long run
- Less sustainable (more waste)
What Causes Dry Eyes When Wearing Contacts?
Wearing contact lenses can disrupt the tear film, especially in dry environments or during prolonged screen time. Common causes of dryness include:
- Environmental conditions: Air conditioning, wind, low humidity
- Screen exposure: Reduced blink rate
- Lens material: Some lenses dehydrate faster
- Allergies or medications: Can decrease tear production
When contacts rest on the cornea, they divide the tear film and create friction. In people prone to dryness, this worsens symptoms.
LSI terms to know:
- Contact lens intolerance: Discomfort from wearing lenses
- Tear evaporation: Leading contributor to dry eye
- Eye strain: A side effect of poor blinking while using screens
Signs Your Contacts Are Making Dry Eyes Worse
If you experience any of the following symptoms, your lenses may be contributing to your dry eyes:
Checklist:
- Persistent redness
- Blurry vision that improves after blinking
- Stinging or burning sensation
- A need to remove lenses early in the day
- Mucus discharge or stringy tears
These signs indicate that it’s time to re-evaluate your lens choice or dry eye treatment.
How to Prevent Dry Eyes with Contacts
Even with high-quality lenses, dry eye symptoms may continue without proper supportive habits.
Tips to reduce dryness:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears or rewetting drops throughout the day
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, shift your focus to an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay hydrated—dehydration worsens eye dryness
- Blink regularly, especially when using screens
- Avoid air blowing directly into your face (fans, AC vents)
Daily hygiene also matters: clean eyelids gently with a warm compress or a dedicated eyelid wipe.
Best Contact Lens Materials for Dry Eye Sufferers
The comfort of your eyes largely depends on the material of the contact lens..
| Lens Material | Water Content | Oxygen Permeability | Suitable For |
| Silicone Hydrogel | Lower | Very High | Most dry eye patients |
| Hydrogel | Higher | Lower | Mild dryness only |
- Silicone hydrogel lenses enhance oxygen flow to the cornea, helping to minimize irritation.
- Hydrogel lenses hold more moisture initially but tend to dry out more quickly throughout the day.
Your eye doctor will help you choose based on your tear production, lifestyle, and sensitivity level.
Should You Switch to Glasses If You Have Dry Eyes?
Sometimes, contact lenses simply aren’t sustainable, especially during flare-ups. If symptoms persist:
- Switch to eyeglasses temporarily
- Consider hybrid lenses (with a rigid center and soft outer edge) or scleral lenses, which arch over the cornea and help retain moisture.
These specialty lenses are often used in moderate to severe cases and may require fitting by a dry eye specialist.
Lifestyle Tips to Manage Dry Eyes While Wearing Contacts
In addition to lens care, lifestyle habits can ease symptoms:
- Eat more Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseed, walnuts)
- Drink plenty of water
- Use cool compresses to reduce inflammation
- Keep eyelids clean with hypoallergenic wipes
- Perform blink training exercises, especially if you use screens extensively
These practices help reduce inflammation and support tear film health in the long term.
FAQs About Contacts for Dry Eyes
Q: What are the best contact lenses for dry eyes?
A: Dailies Total1, Acuvue Oasys with HydraLuxe, and Biofinity are top choices due to their high moisture and breathability.
Q: Can I wear contacts if I have chronic dry eye?
A: Yes, but only certain types like daily disposables, scleral lenses, or silicone hydrogel lenses under medical guidance.
Q: How do I know if my contacts are drying out my eyes?
A: Watch for stinging, blurry vision, or the urge to remove lenses early. A dry eye evaluation can confirm the cause.
Q: Are daily contacts better for dry eyes?
A: Yes, because they stay moist and don’t accumulate deposits that worsen dryness.
Q: What’s the best solution to use with dry eye contacts?
A: Use preservative-free saline or specialty solutions like Clear Care, which are gentler on sensitive eyes.
When to Consider Advanced Treatment: Lumenis IPL for Dry Eye
If contact lens adjustments and lifestyle changes don’t offer relief, you might consider Lumenis IPL dry eye treatment. This non-invasive light therapy targets inflammation in the eyelids and meibomian glands—a leading cause of evaporative dry eye.
Benefits of Lumenis IPL dry eye treatment:
- Reduces redness and swelling
- Improves tear quality
- Enhances long-term lens comfort
Clinics like Optical Solutions offer Lumenis IPL dry eye treatment as part of personalized dry eye care.
Many optometry clinics, including dry eye treatment at Optical Solutions, offer this advanced solution as part of a personalized dry eye care plan.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Vision and Comfort
Struggling with dry eyes doesn’t mean giving up contact lenses. The right contacts for dry eyes, paired with smart lifestyle choices and options like Lumenis IPL dry eye treatment, can help you see clearly and feel great.
Listen to your eyes—redness, stinging, or foggy vision is a signal to act. Schedule an exam at Optical Solutions to find the best solution for your eyes.
Talk to your eye doctor about which contacts for dry eyes are right for you, and ask whether a consultation for Lumenis IPL or specialty lenses might be the next step.
