10 best contact lenses for dry eyes 2023 (2023)

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

In addition, ULTRA lenses also take into account our increasingly digitized world: according to Bausch & Lomb, those who stare at a screen tend to blink less, which dries out the eyes. However, with ULTRA lenses, less flicker is not an issue; Whether you spend all day on your laptop, phone, or tablet, your contact lenses will 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 high in moisture and moisture content.breathability

"Silicone hydrogel technology improves the gas permeability of a contact, 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 draw as much water out of an already dry eye."

These contact lenses are self-moistening instead of drawing moisture out of the eyes. Combined with their high oxygen permeability and affordable cost, we think you'll come back to these comfortable, inexpensive favorites month after month.

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

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

Comdigital zone optics, Biofinity Energys combats digital eyestrain in three different ways: relieving eye strain, easing transitions from one screen to another (and vice versa), and reducing eye muscle strain. Plus, Biofinity Energys are made with just the right percentage of water and silicone hydrogel, making them moisture-retaining and breathable for people prone to screen-related dryness.

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

Most ophthalmologists will tell you that wearing contact lenses daily 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 debris or residue that built up the day before.

Alcon Dailies Total1 lenses are an affordable option for those looking to wear lenses every day, but we picked them as our favorite everyday lenses because they go the extra mile when it comes to comfort. Even if you change your lenses every day, Total1 lenses are designed to support the health of your natural tear film and encourage your eyes to moisten on their own. The only drawback is the lack of lenses for people with special eye problems such as astigmatism.

Price at time of publication: $115 for 90 packs

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 transition lenses are designed to compensate for all the changes in light we face every day, whether it's exposure to blue light from screens, glare from the sun during the day, or common disturbances that occur at night, like halos and blur.

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

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

Weekly disposable contact lenses are another great option for people with dry eyes who want new contact lenses more than once a month but don't want to spend extra money on daily lenses. Clerio Vision's Extreme H2O lenses have impressive water content and best-in-class breathability for a comfortable fit all week long.

The lenses can be worn for a week or two before needing to be thrown away. Its 54% water content is perfect for users with dry eyes. The lens is also suitable for users with astigmatism, so don't worry if you need a more expert fit.

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

Did you know that you can also wear multifocal prescription contact lenses? Can! Alcon Air Optix Aqua multifocal lenses make these focus transitions super easy, meeting a variety of vision needs and combating dryness. Not to mention, Air Optix Multifocal lenses let you switch between prescriptions seamlessly, so they're great if you're nearsighted or farsighted.

With a 33% water content, your lenses not only stay wet, but also prevent irritating residue and deposits on your lenses.

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

people with astigmatismIt can be more difficult to find comfortable contact lenses because this condition (characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye) can cause problems with vision both near and far. Fortunately, however, it is not impossible.

"All major US contact lens manufacturers produce soft disposable contact lenses, daily disposable, bi-weekly and monthly replacement lenses, which correct the vast majority of 'astigmatisms,'" said Dr. .Berman.

We like Acuvue OASYS lenses designed for astigmatism because they have a fixed 38% water content, Hydraclear Plus technology for a comfortable feel, and stabilization technology to prevent the lens from moving too easily on the eye during normal eye movement. (a cause). discomfort in regular contacts due to "astigmatizations").

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

People with dry, sensitive eyes (ie, prone to redness, irritation, and itchiness) should be very careful when choosing contact lenses. Alcon 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 for a fresh start.

yes normallyexperience a dark feelingOr do you tend to count down the minutes until you can remove your lenses, the daily disposable 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 for 90 packs

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

Unfortunately, there aren't many colored contact lenses out there that target dry eyes, but it's not all bad. The Alcon Air Optix range offers a choice of colored lenses with a 33% water content and silicone hydrogel for breathability. While you may not be able to wear those emerald green or lavender eyes all day, Air Optix colors are probably your most comfortable and colorful option.

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

final verdict

we choose 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. However, if you are looking for temporary contact lenses with 97% moisture retention and one of the highest percentages of water content, consider weekly lenses.Clerio Vision Extreme H2O Soft Contact Lenses.

frequent questions

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

  The eye drops can be used with contact lenses, but make sure the eye dropsDesigned for use with contacts.. There are also benefits to using eye drops to treat dry eye, as they can repair dry eye.tear film layeraround your eye

  “The tear film that lubricates the cornea is made up of three layers: a lipid layer, a mucous layer, and an aqueous layer,” explains Dr. Shedlo. “A break in any of these three layers causes tear film rupture and dry eye symptoms. For this reason, lubricating eye drops are the first treatment most doctors recommend for dry eyes."

  If you're not sure if a brand of eye drops will work with your contact lenses, check the manufacturer's label (yes, even the fine print!) or talk to an ophthalmologist. For most products, the recommended use and possible warnings that you should be aware of when using the product will be very clear.

• Are daily disposables better for dry eyes?

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

  "The biggest problem with traditional reusable contact lenses is deposits that form on the lens," says Eubanks. “To get rid of these deposits, conventional soft contact lenses need to be cleaned and disinfected daily. This cleaning process requires high compliance and a high percentage of patients do not perform this process correctly.”

  By replacing your contact lenses daily, you don't have to clean them after each use, which means your eyes are at less risk of infection or discomfort that can lead to dry eyes.

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

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

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

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