If you’re living with dry eye symptoms, wearing contact lenses can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but the right lenses can make a real difference. Some of the most supportive contacts for dry eyes include Dailies Total1®, Precision1®, MyDay® (by CooperVision), and Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day.
Each of these lenses is designed with technology that helps support moisture retention, reduce evaporation, and promote all-day comfort. Choosing the right option depends on your lifestyle, symptoms, and vision needs, which is why working with your optometrist is key.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a long-term condition that affects the quantity or quality of your tears. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when those tears evaporate too quickly, it leads to a lack of moisture across the eye’s surface. The resulting tear imbalance can result in irritation, discomfort, and vision issues.
Many people describe dry eyes as a gritty or burning feeling that doesn’t always go away with blinking. Others notice blurry vision that comes and goes, especially during activities like reading or using a computer.
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Red or irritated eyes
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Excess watering (as your eyes try to compensate)
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they often worsen when left untreated.
What Causes Dry Eye Symptoms?
Dry eye can develop from a range of factors, many of which relate to lifestyle, environment, or health status. Understanding these triggers can help you take steps to minimize discomfort.
Some of the most common contributors include:
- Contact lens wear, especially if lenses are worn longer than recommended
- Dry or windy environments, including air conditioning or indoor heat
- Aging, as tear production tends to slow down over time
- Prolonged screen time, which reduces your natural blink rate
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs
- Medical conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies, or hormone imbalances
In many cases, more than one factor contributes to dry eye syndrome. That’s why proper assessment and care are essential for relief, especially if you wear contact lenses.
How Contact Lenses Can Make Dry Eyes Worse
While contact lenses offer visual freedom, they can sometimes aggravate dry eye symptoms. Not all lenses are created with dryness in mind, and some materials or designs can interact poorly with your tear film.
Here’s how contact lenses can affect dry eyes:
- Moisture absorption: Certain lens materials may soak up your natural tears, drying the surface of your eyes.
- Interference with blinking: Contact lenses can alter the way tears spread across the eye during a blink, leading to uneven hydration.
- Increased evaporation: Lenses may trap heat against the eye, speeding up tear evaporation, especially in dry or dusty settings.
- Reduced oxygen flow: Less breathable lenses limit oxygen reaching the cornea, which can cause further irritation.
- Environmental sensitivity: Lenses worn in screen-heavy or air-conditioned environments can become less comfortable over time.
If you already experience dry eyes, choosing a contact lens made for moisture retention and breathability is key to avoiding further irritation.
Moisture-Friendly Contact Lens Options
The good news? Advancements in lens technology mean you don’t have to give up contact lenses altogether. Many modern designs are made with dry eye comfort in mind.
Dailies Total1®
These lenses feature water gradient technology, which means that their surface holds nearly 100% water content. That high moisture level creates a smooth, frictionless feel across your eye. Since they’re daily disposables, you can wear a fresh pair every day, which is great for hygiene and comfort.
Precision1®
Precision1 lenses use SMARTSURFACE® Technology, which is a microthin moisture layer that keeps the lens surface consistently hydrated. They’re a great option for first-time wearers or anyone looking for all-day comfort in a daily lens.
MyDay® (by CooperVision)
MyDay lenses are made with Smart Silicone™, which allows high oxygen flow while using less silicone overall. That means more room for hydrating agents and a softer, more comfortable feel, perfect for dry or sensitive eyes.
Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day
These lenses feature TearStable™ Technology to support a consistent tear film throughout the day. They’re designed for digital-heavy lifestyles and dry environments, helping reduce evaporation and enhance comfort from morning to night.
You can also purchase your contacts online by visiting our online store.
Making Contact Lenses Work for Dry Eyes
You shouldn’t have to compromise comfort to enjoy the freedom of contact lenses. With the right lens type and care routine, it’s possible to manage dry eyes and wear contacts confidently. If you’re dealing with dryness or discomfort in your current lenses, let’s talk. A contact lens exam can help us understand your eyes better and recommend a solution tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Book your contact lens fitting at Vision Veritas in Dallas today.
